African Proverbs: Volume II – Central African Proverbs

Compiled and Edited By Cherie Jemberie (PE)

Published by Voices of Courage Books

Wisdom from the Heart of Africa

Deep in the forests, rivers, and villages of Central Africa, wisdom flows as richly as the Congo River. Proverbs are more than sayings here — they are living lessons taught by elders, hunters, mothers, and storytellers.

In African Proverbs: Volume II – Central African Proverbs, Cherie Jemberie brings together timeless proverbs from Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and São Tomé & Príncipe.

Each proverb comes alive with:

Figurative meaning—the symbolism behind the words.

Practical life lesson — guidance for today's challenges.

Illustration and caption — a visual journey into African storytelling.

Glossary—key cultural terms explained (Baobab, Ancestor Spirits, Palm Wine, Leopard, etc.).

Sample Proverbs from Central Africa

"The axe forgets; the tree remembers." — Angola

Lesson: Harmful actions are forgotten by those who cause them, but remembered by those who suffer.

"Rain does not fall on one roof alone."—Cameroon

Lesson: Hardship is shared by all; compassion builds unity.

"The canoe does not go forward if each paddler rows his own way."—Chad

Lesson: Teamwork and harmony move communities forward.

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." — Republic of Congo

Lesson: True success comes through cooperation, not speed.

"When spiders unite, they can tie up a lion." — Central African Republic & Gabon

Lesson: Even the weak can achieve the impossible through unity.

Why Read This Book?

The Book experiences authentic African culture through its living wisdom.

Learn lessons about family, unity, resilience, leadership, and humility.

Enjoy beautifully crafted illustrations and captions that make each proverb memorable.

The book is perfect for families, teachers, leaders, storytellers, and readers of all ages.

About the Author

Cherie Jemberie (PE) is a professional engineer, author, and cultural researcher dedicated to preserving Africa's heritage. His multi-volume African Proverbs series honors the voices of African elders and ensures their wisdom continues to inspire across the world.

Get Your Copy Today

Step into the forests, villages, and rivers of Central Africa through its proverbs.