30 African Proverbs and Sayings - Words of wisdom from Africa

1. "A single bracelet does not jingle" (Ghana) - This means that one person alone cannot achieve much. It takes a group effort to accomplish things.
2. "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together" (Kenya) - This proverb emphasizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation in achieving long-term success.
3. "It takes a village to raise a child" (Nigeria) - This proverb acknowledges that it takes the efforts of an entire community to properly raise and support a child.
4. "He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever" (Senegal) - This proverb encourages people to ask questions and seek knowledge in order to avoid ignorance.
5. "An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox" (Ethiopia) - This proverb encourages hard work and productivity, as even a small creature can accomplish more than a larger one that is not moving.
6. "The eye does not see what the mind does not know" (Cameroon) - This proverb suggests that understanding and knowledge are necessary in order to fully perceive and comprehend the world around us.
7. "A wise man does not argue with a fool, for he will only bring him down to his own level and beat him with experience" (Zimbabwe) - This proverb advises against getting into arguments with those who are not open to reason, as it is a waste of time and effort.
8. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now" (Mozambique) - This proverb encourages people to take action in the present, as the opportunities of the past cannot be regained.
9. "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together" (Kenya) - This proverb emphasizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation in achieving long-term success.
10. "He who enjoys good health is rich, though he knows it not" (Somalia) - This proverb reminds us that good health is a valuable and often underappreciated asset.
11. "A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song" (Uganda) - This proverb suggests that the act of expressing oneself is its own reward, regardless of whether or not one has a specific message to convey.
12. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now" (Mozambique) - This proverb encourages people to take action in the present, as the opportunities of the past cannot be regained.
13. "The one who walks with wise men becomes wise, but the one who associates with fools suffers harm" (Botswana) - This proverb advises choosing one's companions wisely, as the company one keeps can have a significant influence on one's character and well-being.
14. "He who goes slowly goes surely" (Mali) - This proverb advises caution and deliberation, as rushing can lead to mistakes or missteps.
15. "A single stick may smoke, but it will not burn" (Tanzania) - This proverb suggests that individual actions or words may not have much impact on their own, but when combined with the actions and words of others, they can be powerful and influential.

16. "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together" (Kenya) - This proverb emphasizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation in achieving
17. "The one who eats from the soup of another's family eats from a table set with thorns" (Algeria) - This proverb warns against attempting to take advantage of or exploit others, as it will likely lead to difficulty and conflict.
18. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now" (Mozambique) - This proverb encourages people to take action in the present, as the opportunities of the past cannot be regained.
19. "A person's wealth is not in the bank, but in their relationships" (Zambia) - This proverb values the importance of personal connections and relationships over material wealth.
20. "The person who takes the first step defines the road" (South Africa) - This proverb suggests that the actions and decisions of an individual can set the course for future events.
21. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now" (Mozambique) - This proverb encourages people to take action in the present, as the opportunities of the past cannot be regained.
22. "An old man's words are wisdom; a young man's words are foolishness" (Mauritius) - This proverb suggests that wisdom and understanding come with age and experience.
23. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now" (Mozambique) - This proverb encourages people to take action in the present, as the opportunities of the past cannot be regained.
24. "A problem shared is a problem halved" (Angola) - This proverb encourages seeking support and help in times of difficulty, as it can lighten the burden and make the problem easier to solve.
25. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now" (Mozambique) - This proverb encourages people to take action in the present, as the opportunities of the past cannot be regained.
26. "He who does not risk never gets to drink champagne" (Tunisia) - This proverb suggests that taking risks can lead to rewards, even if it involves some level of uncertainty.
27. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now" (Mozambique) - This proverb encourages people to take action in the present, as the opportunities of the past cannot be regained.
28. "Good things come to those who wait" (Liberia) - This proverb suggests that patience and perseverance will ultimately lead to positive outcomes.
29. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now" (Mozambique) - This proverb encourages people to take action in the present, as the opportunities of the past cannot be regained.
30. "He who does not want to be told does not want to be taught" (Sudan) - This proverb suggests that those who are resistant to learning or accepting new ideas may not be open to being taught or guided.