Zainab Badawi's Motivation for Writing

Zainab Badawi addresses the limited perspectives on African history that often prevail in Western narratives, advocating for a multi-dimensional approach that highlights Africa's achievements. Her career in journalism, particularly with the BBC's international division, was motivated by a desire to present a more nuanced view of Africa, moving away from the simplistic and often negative portrayals commonly shown to UK audiences. She identifies a significant gap in historical knowledge, as even educated individuals often lack a comprehensive understanding of Africa's ancient past. This inspired her to write her book, aiming to fill that gap and empower readers with an improved understanding of the continent's history.