Africa in the 21st century: making a human economy (original) (raw)

This joint keynote takes the form of a dialogue between a young African student and an old European professor. For each of us the idea of Africa has been a beacon in our personal struggles to overcome the racial, national and economic divisions of unequal society. Taking Livingstone’s life and times as a point of comparison, we ask how Africa’s place in the world may be changing now. The continent’s relative economic and demographic weight is growing and economic progress there in the coming century may undermine the racial foundations of world society. More inclusive visions are needed to situate Africa in this new world. The “human economy” approach is one. We conclude with reflections on its relevance for African development. Our presentation has four parts. Part 1 (SM, KH) Personal struggles with division Part 2 (SM, KH) Livingstone’s life and times Part 3 (KH, SM) Africa in the world today Part 4 (KH, SM) Towards a human economy