Description:

Africa stands at a pivotal moment, having traversed three decades of neo-liberal economic experimentation with outcomes mirroring past autocratic policies and elusive development. The old question remains: What alternative model of 'development' could retain the best of our people and our creations? A model that propels Africa's historical ascent, empowering it to stand on its own and negotiate on equal footing with the world.This question lingers, and thus far, we have yet to find a solution. Seeing this as both a challenge and an opportunity, this gives rise to the question and theme of this quarter’s series: Which way, Africa?

In a three part series, we aim to cover three crucial topics that will set us up in the right direction when thinking about the future of our motherland.

Part 1: A historical examination of Africa’s underdevelopment malaise.
Part 2: The empirical and conceptual failures of development models in Africa
Part 3: African Development: Transcending the impasse of Modernity.

What’s the problem?
How did we get where we are?
What structural factors contributed to Africa’s underdevelopment?
Was the trajectory of development all agreed upon by states?
Who had the right to decide the meaning of development? 

When: Friday 26th January, 2024 @ 4pm - 6pm
Where: Program of African Studies Building, 620 Library Place, Conference Room
Topic: A historical examination of Africa’s underdevelopment malaise