Knowledge for Sustainable Development in Africa

Abstract

Knowledge is becoming the chief currency of the modern age and a decisive resource for sustainable development. This paper discusses the current state of knowledge in Africa as it relates to the radical transformations that are necessary to achieve a rapid and meaningful transition to sustainable development on the continent. This transition is far from being on track for at least half of Africa and it desperately needs a boost from science and technology.

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 socioeconomic progress and the potential contribution of indigenous and mythological knowledge is also stressed. The paper calls for a profound reform of knowledge based on the premise that freedom is the infinite fountain of knowledge.