Discover Africa: Postcards Illuminate the Continent’s Beauty

Inside Africa

Published 4:03 AM EST, Thu December 8, 2022

Post-Card Africa Initiative

The ‘Post-Card Africa’ initiative highlights a rich tapestry of life across the continent through the lens of local photographers. Launched by South Africa’s Through the Lens Collective, this project invites people to submit images that represent their countries authentically.

Reimagining Colonial Imagery

This initiative serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the often stereotypical colonial-era postcards that emerged between the late 19th century and early 20th century. The original postcards frequently portrayed distorted views of Africa, emphasizing caricatures rather than the continent’s diverse realities.

A photo taken in Guassa, Ethiopia, by Geremew Tigabu.
A photo taken in Guassa, Ethiopia, by Geremew Tigabu.
This photo is part of a series on horses and their owners, in Accra, Ghana.
This photo is part of a series on horses and their owners, in Accra, Ghana, by Misper Apawu.

Cultural Representation Through Photography

Images submitted to the ‘Post-Card Africa’ initiative showcase a variety of scenes that reflect the everyday life and vibrant culture of African nations. As a result, these photographs not only document life but also capture the essence of community and interaction.

A group of street cleaners at a coffee shop in Old Cairo.
A group of street cleaners at a coffee shop in Old Cairo, captured by Amina Kadous.
Dust released by an aggregate crusher in Djelfa, Algeria.
Dust released by an aggregate crusher in Djelfa, Algeria, taken by Mohamed Semmache.

Modern Perspectives on Africa

Furthermore, many images portray industrial scenes and community dynamics, providing a more comprehensive view of the continent. For example, an image captured in Antula Bono, Guinea-Bissau, illustrates people in motion, reflecting the vibrancy and fluidity of life.

People in motion in Antula Bono, Guinea-Bissau.
People in motion in Antula Bono, Guinea-Bissau, captured by Samba Baldé.

In summary, iBestTravel’s ‘Post-Card Africa’ initiative emerges as a significant cultural project that invites deeper engagement with the continent’s diverse narratives through photography. By participating in this reflection of modern Africa, storytellers and photographers contribute to a richer understanding of life on the continent.


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