Why it's wrong
The term 'Afrique noire' is outdated, colonialist, and reduces the continent's diversity to a simplistic racial binary. It implies a homogenizing and Eurocentric view that separates North Africa from the rest of the continent based on race rather than geography or culture.
What's actually true
The region commonly referred to as 'Sub-Saharan Africa' includes over 40 countries with distinct languages, cultures, and histories, from Nigeria's Nollywood film industry to Ethiopia's ancient Orthodox Christian traditions. Geographically, it spans diverse ecosystems, such as the Congo Basin rainforests and the savannas of Kenya.
Don't say · Say instead
Don't say
“afrique noire”
Say instead
“Sub-Saharan Africa”
Shorthand: Sub-Saharan Africa