Unpacking the Discourse: A Thematic Analysis of African International Communication Scholarship

This paper explores the intellectual landscape of African international communication scholarship through a thematic and methodological synthesis. It examines the evolution of global communication within the African context, highlighting significant themes such as globalization, media representation, de-westernization, and the role of technology in shaping communication practices. The paper identifies key trends and gaps in the literature by analyzing various scholarly works and interviews with academics, emphasizing African scholars’ unique challenges and opportunities.

Methodologically, the study employs a mixed-methods approach to map the scholarly discourse. It analyzes publications from academic journals and assesses the methodological rigor and theoretical frameworks utilized in the field. Conversely, this study is grounded in multiple comprehensive theoretical perspectives, including Afrocentricity, Decoloniality, and the Sociology of Knowledge, which collectively enrich the understanding of African international communication scholarship. The findings reveal a growing body of work that interrogates the dynamics of power, agency, and representation in African communication contexts yet underscores the need for more localized methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches.

This synthesis contributes to a deeper understanding of African international communication scholarship and calls for a reconceptualization of research priorities that reflect the continent's diverse realities. Ultimately, the paper advocates for increased collaboration among academics and practitioners to foster a more inclusive and representative communication scholarship that addresses both local and global issues effectively. Through this exploration, the study aims to provide a foundation for future research, encouraging the development of innovative frameworks that resonate with Africa's unique socio-cultural environment.