Knowledge for development in the African region: a critical review
Abstract: Sustainable development in Africa requires the modernisation of the knowledge base. Indeed, modern scientific and technical knowledge has become the chief currency of present-day times and a decisive resource for sustainability and progress. This chapter reflects on the concept and power of knowledge and discusses the current state of knowledge in Africa, as it relates to the radical transformations that are necessary to achieve a meaningful transition to sustainable development. This transition is far from being on track for at least half of the region and it desperately needs a boost from scientific and technological knowledge. In fact, the region may be losing the global knowledge race that characterises the development effort at the beginning of this ‘knowledge millennium’. Various types of knowledge are considered and assessed and critical knowledge challenges are formulated. The role of scientific and technical knowledge is particularly emphasised as the main driver of sustainable development and the contribution of indigenous and mythological knowledge is also stressed. In conclusion, the paper calls for the initiation of self-exorcism and a profound reform of knowledge based on the premise that freedom is the infinite fountain of knowledge.
