The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has published three new volumes of its General History of Africa, expanding the landmark series with updated perspectives on the continent’s past, present, and future.

The new additions build on the concept of Global Africa, emphasizing the continent’s central role in shaping world history, culture and development through migration, trade and the contributions of its diasporas.

First launched in 1964 as African nations gained independence, the General History of Africa remains a pioneering effort to tell the story of the continent from the viewpoint of African scholars.

It brings together more than 550 historians and specialists, two-thirds of whom are African, under the guidance of an international scientific committee.

The work covers Africa’s history from the origins of humankind to the modern era.

The newly released volumes are part of a broader effort to reshape how Africa is taught and understood, not only on the continent but around the world.

Each book is fully illustrated and includes annotations, bibliographies and indexes to support research and learning.

Volume Nine is titled “General History of Africa Revisited” and brings in recent scholarship and African historiography while revisiting 2,000 years of the continent’s history.

Volume Ten focuses on Africa and its diasporas. It explores identity, race, knowledge and culture through the lens of individuals and communities of African descent around the world.

Volume Eleven explores contemporary challenges facing Africa and its diasporas. It highlights topics including political reform, youth movements, women’s contributions, creativity and innovation.

The Global Africa perspective presented in the new volumes reframes the continent as a dynamic and active force in global development.

UNESCO also aims to connect the series to education, media and technology, including video games and classroom tools.