This piece reviews the ‘Talking back: African feminism in dialogue’ interview series I conducted with 15 African feminist activists, policymakers, researchers and artists of diverse ages, genders, sexualities, ability and nationality in which they shared their visions, personal and institutional biographies and aspirations. It explores the intersections of feminist activism, knowledge production, solidarity and power dynamics in Africa and the African diaspora. The essay delves into how African feminists challenge existing power structures, including patriarchy, colonialism, racism, fundamentalisms, capitalism and heteronormativity. It emphasises the importance of feminist scholarship and activism in reshaping political economies and political ecologies and challenging the status quo. The piece discusses the lived experiences of African feminist social movements and their efforts to redefine social contracts.