Future Africa International (FAI) hosted a webinar on the eve of Africa Day (May 24, 2025), themed “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.” The event featured special guest speakers and panelists such as Dr. Anotida Chikumbu, Assistant Pofessor of African History at the University of Tennessee, USA, Manja Kargbo, Head of Mayor’s Delivery Unit, Freetown City Council, Sierra Leone, Phethani Madzivhandila, Pan Africanist Marxist Historian and Activist from South Africa and Nomsa Tarabella-Marchesi, Former Member of the National Assembly of South Africa.
Reparative Justice for African Communities
The webinar focused on the concept of reparative justice for Africans and people of African descent, addressing historical injustices caused by colonialism, slavery, and systemic racism. The Speakers discussed the need for reparations to restore economic sovereignty, redistribute resources, and address cultural losses. They also highlighted ongoing disparities in wealth, land ownership, and access to opportunities, using examples from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the United States to illustrate these issues. The conversation emphasized the importance of reparative justice in achieving equity and addressing the historical and contemporary challenges faced by marginalized communities.
African Reparations and Global Inequalities
Sharing her views on reparations for historical injustices against Africans, Manja explained that reparations should involve acknowledgment of wrongs, listening to affected communities, providing fair support, and making long-term commitments to prevent future injustices. Phethani on the other hand, discussed how global economic systems and Western interests continue to perpetuate inequalities in Africa, citing examples from South Africa and the Sahel region, including the challenges posed by Elon Musk’s company and the impact of colonialism and neocolonialism on the continent.
African Reparations for Economic Transformation
Nomsa underscored the importance of reparations for economic transformation and self-determination in African countries, highlighting the need for collective leverage from legislatures and civil societies. She emphasized that reparations should not be seen as divisive but as a necessary step to address the legacy of slavery and colonialism. She also pointed out the imbalance of power in international relations, particularly in the context of South Africa’s recent interactions with the US, and stressed the need for practical steps towards reparations, including debt cancellation and changes in tax laws.
Reparative Justice Policies in Africa
Dr. Chikumbu discussed mechanisms for implementing reparative justice, drawing from examples in the United States, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. He highlighted policies such as diversity, equity, and inclusion in the U.S., indigenization in Zimbabwe, and black economic empowerment in South Africa as ways to address historical disadvantages and promote economic participation for previously marginalized groups. Dr. Chikumbu also emphasized the importance of educating young Africans about these historical issues and policies to foster a generation that supports the welfare of African people.
Reparations Transparency and Accountability Mechanisms
Sharing their views on mechanisms for ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of reparations for African descendants, Phethani emphasized the need for international bodies like the UN to facilitate justice, while Manja proposed practical measures including clear legal frameworks, independent oversight, community participation, and regular reporting. Nomsa on the other hand highlighted the moral debt owed for centuries of injustices and called for binding legal frameworks, centering marginalized communities, and rejecting the false dichotomy between reparations and development.
The Role of the Youth and Civic Engagement
The panelists highlighted the need for young people to stay informed, get involved in civic and political processes, and use their voices for positive change. Nomsa and Manja encouraged young people to take political positions and hold leaders accountable, while also promoting integrity and unity. The panelists also emphasized the importance of youth engagement and education in advancing reparative justice, while highlighting the need for collaboration between the diaspora and the continent to achieve meaningful change.
Thomas, one of the participants asked about platforms or organizations supporting young people in civic work, to which the panelists responded by emphasizing the importance of education, skill development, and active participation in shaping Africa’s future. Thomas was also assured of further resources and links to youth related platforms that will be shared with him afterwards.