In recent years, contemporary African literature has been characterised by rich and complex perspectives on the region’s history, society, and political dynamics.
One such example is Professor Arthur G.O. Mutambara’s series on his thought leadership and philosophical disposition as the former Deputy Minister of Zimbabwe.
In the third volume of In Search Of The Elusive Zimbabwean Dream, Prof. Mutambara highlights how the aspirations of inclusive economic growth, peace, and prosperity remain elusive in a nation otherwise rife with poverty, an authoritarian government, and shrinking democratic spaces.
Beyond Prof. Mutambara’s unique position to critique the domestic agenda and offer insights into the Pan-African liberation struggle, many other authors continue to shape and transform public discourse through their political and historical books on the African continent.
What’s more, these narratives are increasingly becoming accessible to readers through the rise of digital libraries with electronic and audio formats.
Reading is now for everyone
Despite the abundance of books that tackle African politics and history, many readers need help accessing them due to the cost of physical titles, whether paperback or hardbound.
However, the rise of digital libraries is closing this gap by offering ebooks and audiobooks at a fraction of the original price, sometimes even free.
Take, for example, the leading publishing firm Learn Africa, whose e-store provides access to educational materials that cover various subjects, including history and politics, at an affordable price of N500 per month.
Besides cost-effectiveness, digital libraries also encourage more readers by addressing the physical accessibility barriers often encountered by readers with disabilities.
To illustrate, electronic formats allow low-vision readers to zoom in and enlarge the text.
Audiobooks read the text aloud if the former solution remains insufficient, while also being suitable for users with dyslexia or learning disabilities that hinder them from processing written text.
Reading anything — anytime and anywhere
Digital libraries also help readers access a wide range of ebooks and audiobooks from all over the world.
Monthly subscribers to Everand’s digital library have unlimited access to millions of electronic book formats, even ones that may not be readily available in local bookshops and libraries here in Africa.
Moreover, readers can access these resources on demand and across multiple devices, allowing them to expand their knowledge and perspectives by reading original works from authors like Albert Luthuli (Let My People Go).
Recommended ebook and audiobook titles on Africa
Now that it’s clear how digital libraries open new doors for readers interested in learning more about African politics and history, here are a few ebook and audiobook titles worth adding to your reading list.
The State of Africa by Martin Meredith
Available on the previously mentioned subscription service Everand, The State of Africa by Martin Meredith weaves together the multiple, intertwining narratives of the last 50 years to offer a definitive history of the continent since its independence.
It also confronts how Europe’s colonial powers contributed to the myriad problems faced by African countries, ranging from corruption and apartheid to famine and genocide.
Africa Is Not A Country by Dipo Faloyin
In Africa Is Not A Country, writer and VICE editor Dipo Faloyin offers a bold and incisive picture of Africa that goes beyond the myths and stereotypes typically perpetuated in the West.
His examination of each African country’s colonial heritage is also brimming with humour and wit, further embodied in the audiobook narrated by the author himself.
Africa’s Peacemakers by Adekeye Adebajo
Lastly, the London School of Economics and Political Science named Africa’s Peacemakers one of the must-read books on African politics and society.
This collection of essays intersects biographical work about key figures like Albert Luthuli or Wangari Maathai with history, international affairs, and peace studies in a manner that remains accessible to the general reader.
If you enjoyed these recommended reads, check out the dedicated section for book reviews here at The Bulrushes official website.
