About | Daaf Borren

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Daaf Borren (1989) Writer, researcher in International Relations and former Africa-correspondent.

After spending the greater part of his life abroad, Daaf studied International Relations (BA) and

International Security & Human Rights (MA) at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

Next he worked as an investigative journalist and a humanitarian advisor respectively, whereafter he started his career as an independent correspondent and photographer. Ever since, he covered background stories in up to twenty countries across Africa, differing from Mali, South Sudan and Mozambique to Congo (DRC), Ethiopia and Mauritania.

These days he is writing a (travel) book wherein he discusses how Africa's next generation challenges the status quo (for Pluim Publishing House).

In addition, Daaf assists organisations, institutions and companies as a research consultant and founded The Bright Continent, where he works with the next generation of African creatives and change makers.

His work can be found in Dutch, Belgian and international media (written, audio and visual). For lectures and panel discussions, please see below.

Lectures & Panel Discussions

During his lectures, Daaf combines his academic background in International Relations with his experiences in the field and insights from his African peers. This offers a refreshing glance at a rapidly changing continent and helps to move away from vastly outdated stereotypes, enabling the audience to better comprehend contemporary Africa.

Among others, Daaf spoke at the Royal Tropical Institute and the Belgian Ministry of Defence, organized workshops for Doctors Without Borders and joined panel discussions at a non-fiction book fare and the Dutch Association for Journalists. Get in touch for inquiries about guest lectures, media-appearances or other related requests.

Testimonials

Sean Healy, Advisor, Médecins sans Frontières

“His work was of a very high standard, and I was happy to distribute it to all our heads of mission, and recommend them that they read it.”

Etinosa Osayimwen, Documentary Photographer (World Press Photo, Africa Talent 2020)

“I joined The Bright Continent back in 2017 when I started learning about photography. As Africans, we are trying to deconstruct the existing stereotypes about Africa these days and The Bright Continent is continuously contributing to this ongoing discussion.”

Max Koffi, Director, Africa in Motion.

“Most people have two basic images of Africa: one that represents "the good" Africa: safaris, tribes, and Egypt's pyramids and another that represents "the bad" Africa: war, famine, poverty, and peril. In short, Africa is either Eden or Hell. Some of us hold just one of those extreme images in our mind, while most of us hold both. However, few of us spend much time thinking about the immense zone of possibilities that lies in between those two extreme images. That's where the vast majority of Africa's one billion people live. That’s what The Bright Continent is promoting! Keep up your brilliant work!”

Jeroen Dunk, Teacher in Geography

“During his talk at the Afrikadag, Daaf told us about his work as a correspondent for various media outlets, and how he experiences that uplifting stories deriving from Africa are widely declined as those don’t fit the existing narrative about Africa in the western world. This further strengthens his ambition to debunk existing misconceptions and accommodate Africa’s narrative to its inimitable progress.”

Erika Compatangelo, Forum Committee Clio, University of Groningen

"We hosted Daaf as our guest for a workshop about African Affairs and existing narratives. As students of International Relations, we tend to be very opinionated, critical individuals, as well as a tough audience. Nevertheless, Daaf was able to surprise us with unfiltered, original material, and to leave us inspired and enriched with new perspectives. Such a nice experience!"