Welcome to the official website of Richard Dowden
Richard Dowden is Director of the Royal African Society. He first went to Africa as a teacher in 1971, and then as a journalist in 1983, working for The Times. In 1986, he became Africa Editor of the Independent, and in 1995 took up the post of Africa Editor for the Economist. He has also made three television documentaries on Africa, for the BBC and Channel 4.
Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles
This book seeks to explain why Africa is the way it is. Telling personal stories interwoven with history and analysis, Richard Dowden probes beneath the surface to reveal a continent of huge diversity and complexity that survives a lot more cheerfully than some would have us believe. Based on travels as a journalist in 13 countries and touching on politics, religion, race, culture and music, the book traces the causes of success and failure in the continent over four decades. The book is published by Portobello Books
Richard Dowden accompanies Chinua Achebe on his return
to Nigeria
Richard Dowden, recently joined Chinua Achebe, Africa's greatest novelist, on his latest trip back to his homeland, Nigeria, only the second time in nearly 20 years.
- Watch BBC's Newsnight Thursday February 19th 10.30pm Watch A Hero Returns
- Listen to BBC Radio 4 on the same evening at 8 p.m Listen to A Hero Returns
- Read A Hero Returns
Royal African Society
Now more than 100 years old, the Royal African Society today is Britain's primary Africa organisation, promoting Africa's cause. Through its journal, African Affairs, and by organising meetings, discussions and other activities, the Society strengthens links between Africa and Britain and encourages understanding of Africa and its relations with the rest of the world.
Visit Royal African Society website
