Reflections on Thabo Mbeki’s African Renaissance

In this article, I analyse Thabo Mbeki’s call for an African Renaissance, and argue that, as a general response to the crisis in Africa, the African Renaissance should be debated within a broader intellectual tradition of renewal. I argue that Mbeki’s call is timely because he calls for the liberalisation of African states and their economies; the institution of values that must replace corruption and incompetence; as well as seeking the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and encouraging an Africa-centred engagement that will promote trade and sustainable development. I further argue that the African Renaissance is an imperative because it demands a post-nationalist agenda that takes the African region seriously, calls for the revitalisation of Africa’s cultural ideals, and promotes a new political culture. In the final section of the article, I argue that the Renaissance is an imperative because of the precarious socio-economic situation in Africa. South African President Thabo Mbeki has made the African Renaissance a key component of his governing ideology. In this article, I review Mbeki’ call for an African Renaissance and the various reactions to his proposals and I argue that the renaissance imperative, as outlined by Mbeki, is crucial for reconfiguring the human condition in Africa. I reflect as an African who now lives and works in academia in an American university. This article is part of a larger project that analyses responses to the African crisis. It reflects my sympathies and appreciation of the call for a renewal of values and individual and social practices that shape public life. In analysing and endorsing Mbeki’s call for a Renaissance, I do not imply that this is the only approach to solving Africa’s problems. While I believe the time has come for a Renaissance, I do not seek in this article to turn Mbeki into a political messiah. I only concur with his call for a Renaissance in Africa.