One of Africa’s most eminent historians, scholars and public intellectuals, Prof Toyin Falola, is set to lead what promises to be a penetrating interrogation of the African condition as Boiling Point Arena returns for its 47th edition on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
The globally acclaimed scholar will headline the forthcoming edition of the monthly discourse platform under the thought-provoking theme: “The Africa We Want: Can the Continent Break Free from the Cycle of Underdevelopment?”
The interview discourse is expected to bring Africa’s past, present and future under an intense intellectual searchlight, as the continent continues to grapple with the paradox of enormous human and natural resources on the one hand, and persistent poverty, weak institutions, poor governance, conflicts, economic dependency and underdevelopment on the other.
For decades, Africa has remained a continent of enormous promise, imbued with a youthful and increasingly energetic population, vast mineral resources, fertile agricultural land and immense cultural capital.
The people of the continent have continued to demonstrate remarkable creativity and resilience, while African voices are becoming increasingly influential in global conversations around culture, technology, entertainment, entrepreneurship and international relations.
Yet, despite these enormous advantages, the fundamental question remains troubling: Why has Africa found it so difficult to translate its enormous potential into widespread development and prosperity for its people?
That question will form the central thrust of the September 13 discourse as Prof Falola takes participants and audiences through what is expected to be a far-reaching examination of the historical forces, political choices and developmental contradictions that have shaped the African experience.
Boiling Point Arena, the once-in-a-month current affairs programme, is hosted by a seasoned media professional and communication strategy expert, Ayo Arowojolu.
To be transmitted via Zoom, the discourse, over a two-hour duration starting from 8pm, will be broadcast live on seven partner radio station across Lagos, Ogun and Delta States.
Frontline traditional ruler, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola is the Chairman and Keynote speaker to herald the discourse.
Among the partner radio stations are; WASH 94.9FM, Lagos, Sweet 107.1FM, Abeokuta, Roots 97.1FM, Abeokuta, Erimbe 94.7FM, Shagamu, Women Radio 91.7FM, Mowe, Opera Tune 106.3FM, Abeokuta, and Kruzz 92.9FM, Asaba, Delta State alongside a cable television station, NSTV, on GOtv Channel.
This particular episode, rather than the usual lament, seeks to confront the more difficult question of whether the continent is finally prepared to chart a fundamentally different course.
The posers to be resolved are legion, among them such questions like, Can Africa genuinely take charge of its own destiny? Can the continent move from dependency to self-determination?Can African nations build institutions capable of outliving individual leaders?
Also, Can the continent transform its abundant natural resources into sustainable prosperity rather than remaining principally a source of raw materials for the development of other parts of the world?
And perhaps more importantly, can Africa develop a new generation of leaders and citizens capable of reimagining the continent beyond the limitations imposed by history?
These are some of the fundamental issues expected to dominate the conversation to be led by Prof Falola who is based in Austin, Texas, United States of America.
The forthcoming edition is particularly significant because it will move beyond the tendency to explain Africa’s present difficulties exclusively through the prism of colonialism and external exploitation.
While the continent’s historical experiences and the enduring consequences of colonialism cannot be ignored, the discussion is also expected to interrogate Africa’s internal contradictions.