Transforming Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation Systems for African Intellectual Decolonization and Renaissance

Abstract

The application of knowledge (measured in term of entrepreneurship and innovations, research and development, and software and product design) has become one of the spring boards of economic growth. The paper highlights six hindrances to renaissance explosion in knowledge in Africa with special emphasis on inefficiency in indigenous knowledge systems following colonialism. It further highlighted major challenges such as low capacity to invest in advanced human capital, low scientific and analytical capacity, low level of access to education, low digital capacity, low public interest in knowledge systems and low strategic aspiration facing Africa in developing efficient indigenous knowledge systems. The authors, drawing on existing literature and expert consultations, clearly identified and established major challenges being faced by African countries in leveraging on intellectual advances and suggest ways to transform the knowledge and innovation system in moving the continent towards the knowledge economy.