Africa Is Not A Country: Breaking Stereotypes of Modern Africa

This book is a must read for lovers of history. The author through wit and sarcasm, explored the lasting impacts of colonial influence on the countries that make up the African continent. History is usually shaped by the perspective of the storyteller, hence the need to read widely and diversely. Doing so allow us to understand events from multiple viewpoints and form our own informed opinions. I particularly appreciated Faloyin’s insight into how colonial powers manipulated the minds of black people through savior complex narratives. His discussion prompted me to reflect deeply on what lasting good the numerous aids and charities to African countries have achieved. This book also examines how cultural products have shaped and distorted the global image of Africa. Africa is not a country is a powerful and beautifully written narrative that challenges stereotypes and invites readers to see the continent with clarity and respect. My only grouse with the book is that I did not want it to end.

This is one of the best-written accounts of African affairs that I have read in a long time. Some very pertinent observations will give much food for thought for anybody interested in the continent and its development. Some excellent background history combined with an insightful analysis of the media portrayal of African countries and social developments present some genuine eye-openers. I was particularly shocked by revelations about the looted treasures of various civilisations and the thoroughly dishonest excuses offered by ostensibly respectable museums and public bodies to prevent their return to their home countries.

This is a fascinating and often humbling exploration of a continent many see as a country. It reveals the diversity of the many nations and peoples that populate this vast continent. Told with humour but at the same time sparing you none of the suffering that has been inflicted by others. It tells of the oppression and asset stripping of both people and material. It is a 'shame' that is the responsibility of the outside world. But in the end there is hope. As countries find their identity, embrace and promote their culture, and show the world they are more than capable of becoming a great and prosperous continent.

Thank you for this book ❤️ I love the author's sense of humour and was really enjoying learning about african countries and seeing things from a different perspective. Highly recommended!

Faloyin offers a rare glimpse of an Africa shaped by the enduring consequences of colonialism and imperial rule. His Afro‑centric, contemporary approach highlights a continent with immense potential that continues to grapple with its colonial legacy and modern challenges such as climate change. Yet Faloyin also finds hope in the dynamism of Africa’s youth and the rise of female leaders who recognize the power of unity and the importance of working with communities, for the collective good, as the path forward for the continent.

This book gives some useful insights, but its main focus is Nigeria. It claims to debunk the myth that Africa is a single place, but proceeds largely to ignore large swathes of the continent including post-apartheid South Africa. There must be something better out there which covers these important issues more thoroughly.

A great read, easy to follow and a page turner. An interesting and apt POV. Should be more widely read.

Well written apart from the first chapter which trys to suggest Lagos is a dreamy wonderland. However, the book offers nothing new to many readers. If you know that the colonial powers came together in 1885 to carve up Africa, simply drew lines on a map and handed out land to each other , brutalised the locals, looted the place then walked away leaving all of these artificial states to collapse. You essentially dont need to read this book which is summarising this. If you somehow think colonialism was a wonderful time and much misunderstood. This book is for you.