Exploited and marginalised, Africa seeks to reclaim its rightful place in international relations. Whilst experiences like the slave trade, colonialism and neo-colonialism have cast a long malevolent shadow, Africa can overcome this legacy. It could do so by re-imagining a less Eurocentric and state-centric international relations, it could find its own agency, it could strengthen South-South ties and it can speak with one voice when engaging with the international community.