Advancing Africa Flourishing Goals
It is time to flip the script on development in Africa!
For too long, Western-centric standards of development have dismissed local knowledge, resulting in a skewed understanding of the well-being and progress of African communities.
We need to embrace new thinking that puts local knowledge at the forefront of global science on human flourishing.
Think about it.
How much valuable knowledge do African communities have that often goes untapped by development organizations?
We need to start listening to indigenious knowledge and draw inspiration from their approach to truly drive sustainable development.
The development yardstick is broken
The current Western standards of development (e.g., GDP per capita, climate change) is not working for Africa and Africans.
It is been calibrated on a Western model, and we’re using it to measure Africa’s progress.
It is time we stop.
We’re using GDP Per Capita, which is an income-based model that leaves much of Africa off the scale. It is a one-size-fits-all model which doesn’t fit us all.
Cape Town has the highest GDP per capita in Africa, yet 20.7% of the population lives in extreme poverty.
In Nigeria, the economy is growing fast, but so is its carbon emissions.
We need to redefine what we mean by development in Africa.
We are not considering our strengths - agriculture, mining and tourism (and the people who work in it). At the expense of this, we’re often investing in expensive tech projects, which we later abandon.
So, we need to change our approach:
A new progress measure
Scale our strengths
Prioritize local knowledge systems
As the home of the African Union, the conversation must start there. It could be supported by the African Development Bank.
It is about harnessing local knowledge.
And I don't just mean in Africa.
I mean globally.
The Western-centric measures of development and progress often don't reflect the reality of other communities.
To advance Africa Flourishing Goals, we must harness the power of local knowledge.
This shift may involve recognizing the importance of community life, social relationships, collective harmony, and the pursuit of common goals, which are often overlooked in traditional measures of development.
Harnessing Local Knowledge
African philosophies and traditions offer rich insights into what it means to flourish.
Concepts like Ubuntu in Southern Africa, Ujamaa in Eastern Africa, Teranga in Western Africa, and Al-Musawat wal Tarahum in Northern Africa emphasize interconnectedness, community, and compassion.
These values are central for a holistic approach to development.
I am committed to supporting initiatives that harness local knowledge to promote global science on human flourishing.
One of our next steps is the Oxford University Press handbook on Human Flourishing in Africa.
We have extended the deadline for submissions to August 24 to accommodate colleagues who might want to contribute to this important work.
You can find more information about the call for papers here.
Key Goals for a Flourishing Africa
Africa is a diverse continent, and it is difficult to define a single set of goals that will work for all 54 of its countries.
However, here are some key areas of focus that could help Africa flourish:
Sustainable Development
The World Health Organisation estimates that over 23% of deaths in Africa are due to pollution.
Africa is rich in natural resources and should prioritize sustainable development practices for the future.
Governments should prioritize green energy and sustainable agricultural practices.
Prioritizing environmentally sustainable development will be vital for the continent to flourish.
Quality Education
Education is the backbone of any prosperous society.
A more educated population leads to economic growth and innovation.
Africa needs to focus on increasing access to quality education for all its citizens, especially girls and disadvantaged communities.
Governments need to prioritize education funding and improve public schools.
Infrastructure Development
Poor infrastructure holds back economic growth.
Poor infrastructure is a massive challenge in Africa, but it also presents a massive opportunity.
Governments should invest in roads, electricity, water and sanitation.
Focusing on building modern and reliable infrastructure will unlock Africa's vast potential.
Job Creation
Africa has a growing middle class and young population with potential to become entrepreneurs.
Africa's youth population is expected to double by 2050, yet the continent faces chronic youth unemployment.
Governments should provide small business training and mentorship programs.
Investing in sustainable job creation will be a game-changer for Africa.
Address corruption
Corruption in Africa is rampant. The scale of it is daunting.
Corruption undermines democracy and economic development.
Governments should enforce anti-corruption laws and promote accountability.
But more importantly, I'm convinced that character building is the key to fixing it.
Character building is the process of learning and practicing essential qualities such as honesty, integrity, accountability, and empathy.
If every citizen, starting with the young, could imbibe these values, we would revolutionize Africa.
Think about it:
If everyone tells the truth, there's no need for bribes.
If everyone is accountable, there's no cover-up for corrupt practices.
If empathy is practiced, leaders will be more attuned to the struggles of the masses.
The benefits are immense.
We must shift our focus from solely addressing the symptoms of corruption and instead tackle its root cause: low moral values.
Healthcare
Health is wealth.
When governments prioritize access to quality healthcare, Africa can build a healthier and more productive workforce and unlock new opportunities for growth.
Gender Equality
Making sure that women have equal opportunities in education, employment, and social and political spheres is essential for achieving prosperity and stability in Africa.
I hope that African leaders can work towards these goals to create a flourishing prosperous Africa.
Conclusion
Advancing Africa Flourishing Goals through harnessing local knowledge for global science is not just about redefining development metrics.
It is about ensuring that African values and perspectives are central to the conversation about what it means to live a good life.
Local insights and collaborative research could be a path forward to foster a flourishing future for Africa.
The next generation of African leaders can make all the difference.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support and engagement are invaluable.
VC
This was the emphasis on my talk at the 8th Annual Summer Institute workshop in Nigeria on Building Communities of Practice and Academic Leadership in Africa. This event was truly inspiring. Thanks to the host (Ife Institute of Advanced Studies Nigeria) and conveners: Prof. Jacob Olupona (Harvard University), Prof. Afe Adogame (Princeton Theological Seminary), and Dr. Tayo Owoeye (Glasgow Caledonian University).