Afrofuturism and African Futures in Congo: A Qualitative Inquiry

Afrofuturism is an interdisciplinary concept that explores African cultural expressions of future-oriented visions and aspirations. It has gained traction in discussions about African development, particularly in contexts where traditional narratives are insufficient to address contemporary challenges. The study employs a thematic analysis approach to analyse qualitative data from interviews with policymakers, scholars, and community representatives. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to gather insights into current and envisioned futures for Congo. Themes of Afrofuturism in Congolese discourse include technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. For example, one theme emerged with a proportion of 40% mentioning the potential role of technology in achieving socio-economic progress. Afrofuturism offers valuable insights into how future-oriented thinking can be influenced by cultural expressions and aspirations. The study highlights the importance of integrating Afrofuturist perspectives in policy-making to foster inclusive and sustainable development visions for Congo. Policy makers should consider incorporating Afrofuturist narratives in their planning processes, emphasising themes such as technological innovation and environmental sustainability to align with Congolese aspirations. Additionally, there is a need for more research on the intersection of Afrofuturism and policy making in African contexts. Afrofuturism, Congo, Future-oriented thinking, Policy-making