Knowledge for sustainable development in Africa: towards new policy initiatives

Abstract

Knowledge is becoming the chief currency of the modern age and a decisive resource for sustainable development. This paper reflects on the concept of knowledge and discusses the current state of knowledge in Africa, as it relates to the radical transformations that are necessary for achieving 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 for 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 potential contribution of indigenous and mythological knowledge is also stressed. In conclusion, the paper calls for the initiation of a long struggle of self-exorcism and for a profound reform of knowledge based on the premise that freedom is the infinite fountain of knowledge.

Building open access in Africa

“…OSK means open technical standards and open forms of technical infrastructures, network technologies, computer architectures, system software and generic drug (for more details see Hamel, 2005;Weerawarana and Weeratunga, 2004). In the case of software it means access free of charge to coded knowledge open to modification, adaptation and further innovation.…”

“…It is the case with Linux -the main competitor of Windows. A bitter judiciary dispute is now engaged between contributors to Linux, including IBM and developers of UNIX, and their distributors, including particularly SCO Inc., over who owns what in Linux (see Hamel, 2005). Therefore it is imperative not to be too naïve in this area and be careful not to fall into costly traps under the appearance of free products.…”

“…Networking (subscribing to focused knowledge content), Specialised Forums, Interest Groups and e-Conferences offer extraordinary means for knowledge transfer and partnership. In a recent paper by UNECA, Hamel (2005) argues that online or e-knowledge is the best thing ever to happen to African nations. Indeed, internet provides a bonanza of knowledge.…”

“…Many scholars such as Danofsky (2005), Hamel (2005) and Mansell and When (1998) argue that information can lead to knowledge and knowledge is a prerequisite for development (also see Ahmed and Nwagwu, 2006). UNESCO's 32nd General Conference in 2003 focused on 'Building Knowledge Societies and advancement of knowledge-based practices' as an essential component of globalisation and sustainable economic growth, particularly in Developing Countries (DCs).…”

“…Yet, according to the United Nations (Danofsky, 2005), millions of people in Africa have never made a telephone call and without the ability to communicate, Africa will remain poor and isolated, lacking the means to participate in the global society. Moreover, education and knowledge are the chief currencies and the essence of the modern age and can also be a strategic resource and a lifeline for the DCs' sustainable development (Hamel, 2005;Juma, 2003).…”