On December 6, 2024, Vice Versa, with support from the Knowledge Center Global Health (KCGH) and other partners, launched the Debunking Notions – Reshaping Mindsets project at the Netherlands Research Council (NWO) in The Hague. This event served as a bold platform to confront stereotypes, explore power dynamics, and redefine equality in the relationships between Africa and Europe.

Cissy Nalumansi, Ugandan filmmaker and project co-initiator, highlighted how entrenched stereotypes—shaped by narratives in global media and search engines—limit authentic understanding. “When you Google Uganda or Africa, you see stereotypes that shape how we are perceived globally,” Nalumansi explained. Her call to action was clear: fostering equality requires dismantling such biases through authentic storytelling and open dialogue.

A key highlight of the dialogue was the need to move beyond one-size-fits-all policies, a recurring criticism of the Dutch Africa Strategy. Speakers, including publicist Dr. Ellen Mangnus, emphasised that achieving equality requires recognizing local knowledge and valuing diverse perspectives. Drawing on her fieldwork in Mali, Mangnus argued that traditional farming practices often surpass Western methods in effectiveness but are sidelined in policy discussions. “Whose knowledge do we value, and whose voices do we prioritize?” she challenged.

Panel discussions brought further depth. Strategic Policy Advisor Melle Leenstra pointed out that sustainable partnerships rely on building trust and mutual accountability. Ola Abagun, Knowledge Manager at INCLUDE, called for dismantling colonial power structures that still characterise Global North–South relations, urging Dutch institutions to genuinely listen and share responsibility for change. “Trust, respect, and accountability must be at the core of our partnerships,” Abagun stated.

Participants also addressed the Dutch government’s current challenges in implementing its Africa Strategy, particularly its failure to fully integrate civil society into its framework. Jelte van Wieren, Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, admitted, “We still lack sufficient understanding of African contexts in the Netherlands. Without bridging this knowledge gap, our strategies risk failure.”

A notable takeaway from the breakout sessions was the urgent need to document and elevate Indigenous African knowledge, countering perceptions of Western knowledge superiority. Participants advocated for African-led research initiatives and underscored the importance of younger African voices and the diaspora in shaping these narratives.

The event ended with a clear message: redefining equality is not just about dialogue but about transforming policies and attitudes at every level. This dialogue marks the start of a multi-year initiative to expand these conversations globally.

Read the full report on Vice Versa’s website for a deeper dive into the outcomes.