You know how some people think there is only New York or only California in the U.S.? The same kind of thing happens with Africa. Those who don’t live on the mother continent often have strange misconceptions about it. For example, Africa is a country.
Log onto any social media platform, and you will find at least one person who refers to Africa as a country. In reality, Africa is the world’s second-largest and second-most populated continent. It is actually bigger than China, India, most of Europe, and the contiguous U.S. combined. It is divided into 54 independent countries filled to the brim with incredible cultures and rich histories.
However, many still hold these common misconceptions about Africa.
Related: 10 Common Myths and Misconceptions About Our Universe
10 Wildlife Roams the Streets of the Suburbs
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Africa is not just one giant jungle where humans and wild animals casually coexist. Sure, Africa is home to some incredible wildlife, but we don’t have to dodge lions on our way to work!
This misconception reminds me of a tourist who landed at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, expecting to be greeted by wildlife on the runway. To his surprise, he found it a modern city that looked even better than his hometown. Thanks to all the safari ads and “Wild Africa” documentaries he’d seen, he was convinced he’d step off the plane straight into the wilderness.
In reality, the two-legged human animals are far more dangerous than the four-legged ones, especially in South Africa, where crime rates have reached concerning levels. Here, we are more concerned about keeping an eye on our belongings than bumping into a lion![1]
9 It Is Safe to Approach Said Wildlife
Seriously, don’t do it. Keep your distance. Trust me, your zoom lens (from your car) will do a much better job than trying to explain to an outraged rhino why you’re so close to their natural habitat.
It’s also worthwhile noting that no matter how cute or hungry an animal looks, you should never feed them. It is dangerous and makes them far too used to humans for their own safety.
A safari is an unforgettable experience; the best way to enjoy it is by being a good guest. Stay respectful and appreciate the wildlife from a (safe!) distance. This is the best way to ensure these incredible creatures are around for future generations. Besides, wouldn’t you rather go home with amazing photos instead of trying to outrun an angry elephant?[2]
8 Africa Has No Technology
Despite what many seem to think, Africa is not stuck in the Stone Age, sending messages by drum beats and smoke signals. When it comes to mobile technology, Africa is miles ahead! Case in point: M-Pesa, a mobile money transfer service, revolutionized banking in Kenya long before the rest of the world caught on. The reality is that Africans aren’t just keeping up with technology—they’re using it in innovative and life-changing ways.
From fintech solutions to AI-powered agriculture, Africa is on the cutting edge of technological advances. Take Nigeria’s first homegrown drone, Gulma, which can fly for nearly four hours straight. Or the humanoid robots designed by Thérèse Izay, directing traffic in the bustling streets of Kinshasa.
The continent isn’t just catching up. It’s using technology to solve problems in ways the rest of the world should be taking notes on![3]
7 There Is No Cold Weather
Yes, the Sahara Desert is massive (covering about a third of the continent), but that doesn’t mean that Africa is just one giant, sweltering sandbox!
Keep in mind that deserts aren’t always scorching. Nights in the Sahara can get ridiculously cold! And the rest of Africa? Not a desert at all. Most of it is covered in lush rainforests and sprawling savannas. The continent even boasts a handful of ski resorts!
Yes, it snows in Africa. Several countries experience snowfall thanks to high elevations—even near the equator. Meanwhile, in South Africa, winter temperatures often dip below freezing. In 2024, large parts of the country were blanketed in white for days.
The takeaway? Africa’s climate is way more diverse than most people think. And if you ever find yourself heading over here, maybe pack both a sunhat and a winter coat—just to be safe![4]
6 The Continent Is Part of the New World Order
While conspiracy theorists love to make it sound like a hidden cabal is controlling Africa’s future, the truth is far less dramatic. The whole idea that Africa is secretly part of the Illuminati’s New World Order is a bit ridiculous. The term “New World Order” has been around for a long time, usually referring to big shifts in global politics—things like the formation of the League of Nations. But of course, there’s no secret meeting where world leaders are plotting to take over the continent.
To be fair, Africa’s political and economic landscape isn’t exactly straightforward. From colonialism to modern-day challenges, Africa’s story is shaped by a whole mix of factors. Fueled by economic struggles, foreign interventions, and political instability, it’s easy to see why local people are inclined to fall for conspiracy theories and believe that external forces are pulling the strings. But that doesn’t mean it’s true.[5]
5 Everyone Speaks African
Just as no one goes around speaking “European” or “Asian,” there’s no single language called “African.” Since the continent boasts over 3,000 distinct ethnic groups, it’s no surprise that more than 2,000 languages are spoken here.
Arabic is the most widely spoken language, with over 170 million speakers, followed by English (about 130 million), French (115 million), Swahili (100 million), and several others like Berber, Hausa, Portuguese, and Spanish. With so many diverse cultures in one place, most Africans speak up to four languages! And it’s more than likely that English is one of those.
In Kenya, for example, many people are more fluent in English than their native languages. Over here in South Africa, we have 11 official languages, so multilingualism isn’t the exception here; it’s just how we roll![6]
4 There Is War Everywhere
One of the biggest stereotypes about Africa is that it’s all poverty, corruption, and conflict. A war-ravaged desert populated by refugees. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. While challenges exist (just like anywhere else), Africa is a massive continent with incredible diversity. Most Africans are friendly and welcoming and live in countries that are steadily progressing in governance and development. Free and fair elections are the order of the day, with smooth, democratic transitions of power. This is more than can be said for some so-called “developed” countries!
Corruption is a common problem, but some African countries have been ranked among the least corrupt in the world! Transparency International’s 2016 Corruption Perception Index ranked Botswana 35th and Cape Verde 38th out of 176 countries surveyed. So, while the stereotypical war-ravaged images of the content might make for dramatic headlines, the reality is far more inspiring.[7]
3 Women Are Without Rights
In 2003, the African Union adopted the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the Rights of Women in Africa, popularly known as the Maputo Protocol. This protocol underscores Africa’s dedication to creating a more equitable environment for women and guaranteeing comprehensive rights to women. It covers things like participation in political processes, social and political equality, autonomy in reproductive health decisions, and the elimination of harmful practices like female genital mutilation.
For many years, Africa has seen increased female representation in political leadership and improved access to education and healthcare for women. Though there might be a backlog in these areas compared to other more developed nations, these advancements reflect the ongoing efforts across Africa to uphold and promote women’s rights.[8]
2 Africa’s History Is Void of Advanced Civilizations
Egypt is one of the most advanced ancient civilizations in the world. And it’s only one of many located in Africa. The continent is packed with rich histories, from the Great Zimbabwe ruins to the Kingdom of Mali, where Mansa Musa, the wealthiest man in history, ruled.
Many African nations have even had systems of governance emphasizing citizen participation and decision-making long before the term “democracy” was a thing. The Western world doesn’t have an exclusive license on political freedom.[9]
1 The Entire Continent Is Disease-Riddled
In 2013, a viral tweet instantly became a global lesson in what not to post online. The internet exploded, and within hours, Justine Sacco, a PR director, went from an unknown corporate exec to the face of online outrage. Even though she later apologized, the damage was done. Her missive reinforced the harmful stereotype that everyone in Africa is HIV+. A myth that the continent has been fighting for decades.
Let’s be real: not everyone in Africa is on the brink of dying, just like not everyone in the U.S. is obese. And those who do have HIV or any other illness deserve the same care, dignity, and respect as anyone facing a health challenge.[10]