By: Hawi Bussa
For centuries, Africa has been defined by what was taken from it—its resources, its people, its narratives. This perspective has shaped not just how the world sees us, but how we sometimes see ourselves. The 2025 African Union Summit in Addis Ababa brought a shift in focus: reclaiming power and redefining greatness on our own terms. This conversation isn’t just about governments or policies; it’s about a collective mindset.
The reality is, Africa has never been lacking. We have the intelligence, the creativity, the resources, and the cultural wealth to stand as a global leader. And yet, we have often been told the opposite. The world has framed Africa as a continent in need rather than a force to be reckoned with. But history tells a different story. From the ancient trade networks of Axum to the intellectual legacy of Timbuktu, Africa has always been a powerhouse. The problem is not our capacity—it’s the narratives that have made us doubt it.
If we want to reclaim that narrative, we need more platforms—especially in Addis Ababa, the political capital of Africa—where we tell our own stories, where we collaborate, and where we amplify our voices. Too often, outsiders shape the world’s perception of us, filtering our histories through their own lens. It’s time for us to take charge, not just by pushing back against outdated narratives but by creating new ones that reflect the depth of who we are.
Reclaiming greatness is not about waiting for external validation. It’s about recognizing what we already have and leveraging it. We don’t need saving—we need spaces to innovate, to invest in each other, and to build from within. The AU Summit underscored that Africa’s future lies in self-sufficiency, in intra-continental trade, in technological advancements, and in fostering a cultural movement that reflects our reality, not someone else’s interpretation of it.
This applies beyond politics and economics; it’s deeply personal. How often do we second-guess our own potential, waiting for permission to step into our greatness? How often do we define ourselves by setbacks rather than the resilience that has carried us through? The same mental shift Africa needs on a global scale is the one many of us need in our individual lives. It starts with owning our stories and refusing to let others dictate who we are.
For too long, Ethiopia and Africa at large have been discussed from an outsider’s perspective. But that changes when we create, when we write, when we produce, and when we challenge outdated perceptions. It changes when we stop asking whether we’re enough and start recognizing that we always have been.
Africa’s story is one of endurance, innovation, and strength. The question is: how do we translate that into our daily lives? We stop waiting for someone else to define us. We invest in ourselves, in each other, and in the platforms that let us speak on our own terms.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, or just someone who has ever doubted your own potential, Africa’s story is your story, too. The resources are here, the talent is here, and the power has always been here. It’s time to own it.