Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

Beginning from the pre-colonial era through colonial to the postcolonial eon, critical quest for authentic and inclusive African development has been the foremost intent of some avant-gardes of African liberation. One cannot isolate the contemporary epoch from this scheme. The quest is more today given the phenomenon of globalization. It challenges African thinkers more than ever to proffer solutions that can enhance Africa's status vis-à-vis that of the other nations of the world. To this effect, this work adopts a retro-proactive approach. Retro-Proactive is a combination of two words: retroactive and proactive. Retroactive measure underscores the need to undertake approaches that predate the current struggle for integral African development. Conversely, proactive measure salvages and elevates Africa from mere passive deliberation on the ills inflicted and perpetrated by colonialism to the actual pursuit of agendas aimed at authentic and inclusive African development. Taking retroactive measure alone equals 'assuming the initial point - petitio principii', - and ipso facto, dwelling in the past. Likewise, sticking solely to proactive measures leaves the African development agenda void of historical and ontological foundation. Thus, com-penetration of retro-activism and pro-activism, a synergy between retroactive measures and proactive measures, is imperative.

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