Beyond the rhetorics of colonialism and neocolonialism : an Afro-science diplomacy perspective

Abstract

The narratives of colonization and neo-colonialism of Africa can be changed; not to forget history but to reflect, learn lessons and develop strategies to overcome re-occurrence in any form. Science Diplomacy is discussed in this policy brief as a global governance tool with the capacity to help Africa redefine history by adopting an Afro-Science Diplomacy strategy in addressing its domestic and global challenges. Africa is currently in a transition period in history where it is constructively engaging with world players in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), for its domestic industrialization and for equipping its teeming young demography with STI skills. Some of this is already been seen in the digitization of the economy, but because it was not a conscious strategy but rather a mere spillover from the impact of globalization, the benefits are still largely untapped. Member states of the African Union (AU), must therefore redefine their STI foreign policies to aid local research and manufacturing. The global perspective of Science Diplomacy is aimed at addressing common global challenges which will significantly benefit Africa. Setting up a framework by state STI agencies for developing a unique and common Afro-Science Diplomacy strategy is, however, advocated for in this brief to address most of the common challenges Africa is confronted with. Such a strategy has the embedded potential to spill into more global contexts. An Afro-Science Diplomacy could act as a gatekeeper for African institutions’ sovereignty in reshaping imperial foreign policies. Too much power asymmetry in Africa will further entrench the concept of neo-colonialism. Therefore, it is recommended that African leaders and their negotiators should avoid being coopted by world economic players into advancing soft powers that could jeopardize STI development and the attainment of Pan-Africanism. This requires the transnational assemblage of the right knowledge and technical support.