Daaf Borren is a writer, researcher and former correspondent who, since 2017, has travelled all corners of Africa to cover topics ranging from coups d'états and protest movements to climate change and migration.
Among others, he reported on the most recent presidential elections in Ivory Coast and the escalating violence in eastern Congo (DRC), accompanied UN-troops in Gao (Mali) and spoke with former warlords and child soldiers about the existing impunity in Liberia. Additional fieldwork brought him to Mozambique, South Sudan, Mauritania, Ethiopia and a dozen other countries. Main objective during his travels, was to learn about Africa’s next generation and their vision for their country, continent and the world.
Over the years, he noticed that Europe’s perception of Africa and the Global South in general, is largely based on isolated events and generalizations, which often fail to do justice to societal reality. Moreover, he noted that the tendency to continually measure non-Western countries against Western benchmarks of progress, has led to mutual misunderstanding.
As Europe increasingly finds itself relegated to a secondary role in a shifting world order, Daaf advocates for European adaptability and a renewed approach of the Global South. He argues that this requires shedding Eurocentric blinders and shaping relationships based on the principles of equality.
These observations are woven into his debut book, set to be published by Uitgeverij Pluim (April ’25), and play a leading role at The Bright Continent, a platform he founded back in 2016. More of his work can be found in Dutch, Belgian and international media (written, audio and visual). For lectures and panel discussions, please see below.
Guest lectures
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 This offers a refreshing glance at a rapidly changing continent and helps to move away from vastly outdated stereotypes, enabling the audience to better comprehend contemporary Africa.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.
