Is Africa really the "Homeland" ? Why do people see Africa as the birth place for mankind ?

I’ve heard a few times that Africa is the “motherland”. Not sure what this means.

A friend was also telling me that the first signs of life came from Africa, and it came from 2 women! Not sure if this is true either.

Also another friend of mine recently visited Africa and a man told her “Welcome sister”, and she responded that she wasn’t African. The man then said that it doesn’t matter because everyone on earth is African.

Do people consider Africa to be a special homeland? Has anyone heard also about the 2 women coming from Africa?

I’ve also felt a natural urge to go to Africa, I can’t explain it. I feel it is really beautiful but wrecked by war (like many many other places).