Who is The Harvest Africa?

In recent years, watching the landscape of Central and Southern Africa, one thing is clear: access is the exception, not the norm. Many nations remain stifled under oppressive or pseudo‑democratic regimes that sideline civil society, restrict human rights, and starve communities of platforms for dialogue or the infrastructure needed for meaningful education. Media coverage often mirrors this, fixated on the event, not the people, and blind to the impact on those who endure the consequences.

Countless stories disappear into community conversations that never reach the public eye. Think of Soumouna, a village in Congo‑Brazzaville’s southern Pool region. In April 2016, it was sealed off from journalists and human‑rights observers. The violence there, sparked by protests against fraudulent elections, went largely unreported as the government deflected blame onto the Ninjas, a militia from the 1990s. Another story swallowed by silence.

The Harvest Africa stands firmly against that silence. Our ethos is simple: African stories deserve depth, context, and integrity.

Through essays, political commentary, visual narratives, and cultural criticism, we bring forward voices and histories long overshadowed in mainstream reporting, without bending to the gaze or interests of the Global North.

Colorful ceramic mugs and bowls arranged on a market stall, with shelves and a person in the background.
Stacked embroidered hats with traditional patterns on a floral embroidered surface, outdoors. 
Our Story

Our journey has been marked by a commitment to reframe how African stories are represented. The Harvest Africa emerged from a desire to elevate narratives of often-overlooked communities engaged in significant work in less-visible settings. Rather than seeking widespread recognition, our focus remains on centering these authentic voices.

For this vision to persist, it required a foundation of faith and a name anchored in a purpose beyond our own ambitions. In John 4, following His encounter with the Samaritan woman, Jesus instructs His disciples, "Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." The transformation of one woman, previously marginalized by her community, led to the belief of an entire village. What appeared insignificant became a profound harvest. This encapsulates the essence of The Harvest Africa.

If our work is to reflect any trace of God's presence, as described in Psalm 77:19, where His footsteps are unseen, yet His presence endures, then we aspire for every story, project, and act of service to be a seed for a greater harvest. Whether our efforts take place in prominent venues or in modest, quiet spaces, through journalism, research, creative expression, or community initiatives, their influence extends beyond quantifiable outcomes.

The Harvest Africa represents an act of obedience. It is the platform for the stories we share, the publication we manage, the projects we nurture, and the work situated at the intersection of Africa's political, social, and cultural landscapes. Ultimately, we hope that this endeavor fulfills a purpose that transcends our individual aspirations.

Frontlines of African Imagination

The Harvest Africa draws on Paulo Freire’s belief that real emancipation comes through action, conversation, and critical awareness. Our work doesn’t just surface experiences or expose tension, we offer grounded, solution‑driven insight that challenges stale narratives and pushes new ways of thinking.

  • Group of diverse adults seated in an auditorium or conference room, some taking notes, listening attentively during a presentation or meeting.

  • Group of diverse people standing in a line inside a well-lit room, with a floral centerpiece on a table in the foreground.

  • Three women engaged in a conversation indoors, with one woman gesturing with her hands and holding a wine glass, while the others listen. The background features a window and patterned wallpaper.

  • Four people standing outdoors, smiling, with a blue and white banner and green foliage in the background. The group includes a young man in a suit, two women, one in a colorful patterned jacket and headscarf, and the other in a maroon blouse.

  • Two women standing together at an indoor event, smiling, with green background and plants around them. One woman is wearing a patterned orange and black dress with large earrings, and the other is wearing a red dress with a badge around her neck.

  • Three women standing together, smiling, at an event with banners in the background. One woman is wearing a colorful African print dress and a headwrap, the second woman is in a bright red dress, and the third woman is in a patterned dress with orange and black tones.

INTERVIEWS

A conversation on identity, language, and belonging

Youth advocate and storyteller Andréas Ruth Deolinda speaks with Masego Madzwamuse on what it means to grow up between cultures, reconnect with your mother tongue, and empower young people to embrace who they are. Recorded on the sidelines of the African Women Writers retreat at the Wits Rural Facility, Limpopo – as part of CAPSI's Adɔyɛ Programme.

Watch here

The Adɔyɛ Dialogue Series, hosted by The Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI)

Invited to perform original poem “Return My Voice to Me” as part of a thought-provoking dialogue series spotlighting women’s leadership in African philanthropy.

Our Team

Andréas Ruth Deolinda

Hajar El Kahlaoui

Founder & Chief Creative Officer
 North Africa Correspondent
Digital Strategy Lead/Manager

Marang Nwako

Jemima Gloire

Digital Communications Strategist
See All Bios

Tania Pehl

Social Media & Email Marketing Coordinator

Get in touch.

At the root of any meaningful activism is collaboration—building alliances, creating dialogue, and forming communities that move together toward change. If you carry a story that deserves to be reported, or if you want to partner with our Foundation, follow the link below. Walking in silos has never served us; let’s join hands and push forward the emancipation of knowledge.