On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti An African history of Africa with Zeinab Badawi
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Aug 22, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Zeinab Badawi, a Sudanese-British journalist and president of SOAS, dives into Africa's rich history beyond the colonial narrative. She unveils the powerful Kingdom of Kush, known for its impressive pyramids and military might, challenging the traditional views of African history. Badawi advocates for recognizing influential African women and the continent's diverse contributions. Plus, she highlights the shared roots of humanity, emphasizing the importance of understanding Africa's past for a better future.
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Ancient Female Power Echoes Today
- Kushite society granted powerful roles to women, called Kandikas, who led in war and politics.
- Modern Sudanese women evoked Kandikas during the 2019 revolution to assert their political agency.
Egypt's Past Fuels Modern Identity Debates
- Debates over who can depict ancient Egyptians reflect contested identities and global claims on Egypt's past.
- Badawi argues ancient Egypt is fundamentally African regardless of later ethnic mixtures.
Why Egypt Dominated Global History
- Egyptomania and Western-led Egyptology eclipsed other African histories in global imagination.
- Europeans' late arrival and dismissal of non-European sources further marginalized continental histories.
