Set in an imaginary African country named Kuzania, "The Centre is Black" examines the nature and effects of political governance.

The novel highlights the alienation between the political leaders or "people's representatives" and the masses and the tension arising, as seen through an old man (Agu), a young man (Shaka) and a young woman (Nzinga). The three detest the shameful state of affairs in their country, each for their own independent reasons. They blame the political leadership for enhancing misery rather than happiness and progress. In spite of their differences in age, education and social status, they find common ground in their rejection of the status quo.

Old man Agu and Shaka live in the slums while Nzinga, born with a silver spoon in her mouth, lives in affluence.
While old man Agu is too old to make a fresh start in life, he is nevertheless determined to make a contribution in the fight against corruption, dehumanization and despair. He is an old warrior driven by altruism. His single wish, with death, is to recount a story of hope about his people, to "those who went before". He wants to see the situation rectified before he dies, so that he can recount a story of hope.

Shaka is a young man just out of high school, strong and vibrant. Brought up by his mother after his father died in the struggle for independence, his wish was to take a degree in Law. The ailing health of his mother dictates that he foregoes further education so that he can take care of her. He is desperately looking for a job commensurate with his level of education. He finds none and ends up in the gangs of construction workers. His pay is peanuts. He can hardly support himself let alone his sick mother. He knows that there are jobs available but tribalism and nepotism have displaced merit in employment and he is not "well connected".

His despair turns into anger against the political system. He seeks answers from old man Agu as to why Kuzania is in such a chaotic state. The two form a bond as they search for answers to weighty matters.