Welcome to the inaugural issue of Africa’s Quest, a magazine for shared ideas and suggestions on Africa’s ongoing quest for an inclusive society. As Editor, it is both a privilege and a responsibility to introduce a space that is intentionally open: open to diverse voices, open to contestation, and open to rethinking how civic engagement, philanthropy, communities, and economic development intersect in our contexts. 

This first edition is anchored in our Big Bet for 2026, “Rediscovering the Middle.” At its core, this idea challenges us to reconsider where agency lies, who holds it, and how it is exercised. It asks us to look beyond the norm (be it in politics or economics) but instead focus on the grey areas, which we are calling the “middle”. At the core of the idea of the middle is a reimagining of subjects that we have taken for granted and at times assumed settled for us, to bring back the idea of citizens and their communities at the centre of politics and challenging us to reimagine a better deal for all. For contributors to this issue—both internal and external—this platform presents a fertile terrain for exploration. What does civic agency look like in contexts of political and economic precarity? What models of local philanthropy increase corporate and individual participation in social development initiatives? And critically, how do livelihoods frameworks intersect with these questions in ways that are both inclusive and sustainable? 

This magazine does not seek to provide definitive answers. Instead, it offers a curated conversation—one that is analytical, reflective, and, at times, deliberately uncomfortable. We invite contributions that interrogate assumptions, surface contradictions, and propose alternatives grounded in evidence and experience. As you engage with this inaugural issue, we encourage you to approach it not as a static publication, but as a living dialogue. The “middle” is not fixed; it is constantly being negotiated in communities, institutions, and everyday interactions. Our task—collectively—is to understand it better, strengthen it intentionally, and, where necessary, reimagine it entirely. 

Welcome to the conversation.  

Emeldah Takaona

Communications Officer | SIVIO Institute