Among ethnic groups in Africa proverbs are seen as wisdom handed down from generations and even in their most subtle form there is wisdom immensely valuable to learn and guide us. What do our ancestral scholars, whom we consider the wisest and most spiritually advanced, have to say to us today? One of those vehicles could be in proverbs.

We collected some great proverbs through friends, and colleagues from across the continent often addressing universal themes human experiences, and various aspects of life. The themes include family, wisdom, morality, ethics, social living, knowledge, and cleverness. For example, in the Mandinka tribe, Proverbs highlight such aspects of life and culture as respect for elders; understanding one’s abilities and limitations; personal flaws; respect for the natural world; fear of dangerous animals; maintaining harmonious interpersonal relations; and bodily and spiritual cleanliness. The Yorubas of Nigeria cleverly emphasize the worth of proverbs with a proverb of their own, by saying, “A proverb is the horse that can carry one swiftly to the discovery of ideas.” Proverbs across the continent stand to dispel the narrative that African societies did not have an advanced civilization, including organized religion, centralized government, and complex systems of communication before colonization. Yet, many African proverbs are used in mainstream media to express complex topics. “Among the Ibo the art of conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten,” Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart.

Here’s a list of African proverbs from around the continent. Some are known to come from specific tribes, ethnic groups, or countries, and others have an unknown source and are listed simply as “African proverbs.” We hope these proverbs serve as a beautiful reminder of the timelessness that can be found in these proverbs across cultures and ethnic groups in Africa to guide and keep us rooted.

“If you do not know where the rain began to beat you, then you cannot tell where you dried your body,” —Igbo proverb.
“If you don’t know where you come from, then you cannot tell where you are going.” This proverb is popularized by the great Chinua Achebe a wonderful reminder to stay rooted.

“Many hands make light work,” —Tanzanian proverb.
This is a saying that has been adopted all over the world and encourages people to work together.

“It takes a village to raise a child,” —Nigerian proverb.
Another famous example that has spanned the globe appears in American movies, major speeches, and books. African proverbs share with the world the practical wisdom that African people have learned in their way of life.

“If your only tool is a hammer, you will see every problem as a nail.” —Gambian proverb
It refers to an over-reliance on a familiar or favorite tool. While such tools can be very useful at times, over-reliance can result in approaching problems in ways that are not always helpful or even destructive.

“If a child washes his hands, he could eat with kings.” —Igbo proverb
Literal meaning; if you prepare and allow yourself to be trained, you will achieve a lot and be favored in due course.

“You cannot chase two antelope at once,” Zulu proverb.
This practical wisdom of tackling one thing at a time applies to people all over the world not just those chasing after wildlife.

Onye ji onye n’ani ji onwe ya: “He who will hold another down in the mud must stay in the mud to keep him down.” “We cannot trample upon the humanity of others without devaluing our own. The Igbo, always practical, put it concretely in their proverb, Chinua Achebe, The Education of a British-Protected Child: Essays

“There is honey but no bees,” — Zimbabwean proverb.
Describing a situation when you find something free for the taking and without consequence.

“Even the lion, the king of the forest, protects himself against flies,” —Ghanaian proverb
Never underestimate the strength and skill of people who are smaller in stature

“Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it”, —Akan and Ewe (Benin, Ghana and Togo) proverb.
This metaphor also explains that human wisdom is so great that it would be presumptuous and arrogant of a single individual to claim to have mastered it all.

“You overcame the rain, but what about the dew?” Sumbwa (Tanzania) Proverb
This proverb could be first of all a gentle reminder for people who may feel tempted to think that they have already achieved so much in this life that no effort is needed from them anymore. Achievements are only openings towards greater challenges. Technical achievements for instance do help greater mobility for good for people all over the world, but they raise the perilous task to protect our entire planet. As for leaders who may think they have already reached a status so high that they need no longer make any more effort they forget that they are generating cracks from within themselves that will most certainly cause bitter disappointments.

“Only when an anaconda is dead that you know what its diet consisted of”… —The WE / Guéré Proverb, Ivory Coast.
This means we don’t know what people around us are all about until they are dead and you hear what people say about them.

“Women are part of the origin of life’s big mystery on earth; they know the secret of a good life, —Kuba Proverb
The Kuba is an old empire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) known for its traditional art and design. The life and work of the Kuba woman centered on the home and duties to her family. She is a mother of many children and the wise and industrious manager of the household, providing for the welfare of her husband and children. A Kuba woman knows the path to success in life. She plays a critical role. Her skills, resourcefulness, industry, wisdom, and hospitality, rather than her fertility or beauty, make her keep her home, husband, and entire family together. A Kuba woman is considered a life-giver. She is a mother to the society. This is the ideal portrait of the adult female in the Kuba Empire.

“When you befriend a chief, remember that he sits on a rope.” — Ugandan proverb
This proverb reminds you to be cautious with whom you trust and respect those in positions of authority. It is also a reminder of the importance of not forgetting your roots. The key message in this proverb:

• Don’t forget your roots.
• Be cautious with whom you trust.
• Respect those in positions of authority.

“A person is a person because of other people”, or “I am because you are,” —a Zulu proverb.

This proverb is the bedrock of South Africa’s society, which is rooted in community.

Africans have the spirit of Ubuntu without having to try, it is part of who we have always been, and the acknowledgment of the fact that we are a product of each other’s actions and decisions. Ubuntu is a reflection of what it takes to live in true unity and explores what it means to work, live, and thrive together.

There are a lot more African proverbs that we have not shared but we will continue to collect a lot more of this timeless wisdom that even a lifetime is not enough to collect most of them. Do share any of the proverbs that serve as a go-to window.

Looking for more inspiration?: Visit our African Homecoming page — a page dedicated to African history, Africans great civilizations, people, places, history, cultures and traditions and uncover the untold stories of the diverse and vast African continent. Encompassing a wide range of experiences and activities. We’re always here to take the guess-work out of your travel experiences to Africa – experiences that shift perspectives and fuel imagination.