Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

The phenomenon of a global trend of change in whatever guises one may want to delineate it: “World of Change”, “Globalization”, “Global Technological and Economic advancement”, etc. the concern of this paper is to appraise the place of Africa in it. This quest suggests that African continent is supposed to enjoy a unique role and place in this world of change or verse versa. Methodologically, this paper is expository in as much as it makes a survey of the actual status quo of the African continent in terms of development and social change. It is analytical as it critically analyses the actual ferment of key concepts and categories. Also, it is evaluative as it tries to justify the possible efforts and existing ideological basis for adequate social change and development. The results of this study are overwhelming: Africa has rich cultural and historical heritage, legacies and civilization. But in time, the continent has been unfortunate to have experienced negative influences from enforced slavery, colonialism, western domination and exploitation. As a result of western presence on African soil in time, the continent has encountered conflicting stances and dilemma of true African identity given the culture of western domination on African socio-political and economic institutions. It is therefore the proposition of this paper that, if Africa is to reclaim its rightful position, identity and integrity in the midst of a global trend of change; then, there should be conscientious efforts to divest her institutions from pervading negative influences of those western categories and concepts that tend to strip her off her originality. Finally, following the logic of study therefore, this paper highlights the gains of restructuring the African social and continental person towards the required social change, working through ideologies of development and change that are indigenous and original to Africa.

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