Call for contributing chapters in scholarly book: Aspiring to a promising Africa we want

AOSIS invites all prospective authors and co-authors affiliated with the Durban University of Technology (DUT) or other higher education institutions (HEIs) to submit a chapter in the book with the working title Aspiring to a promising Africa We Want.

Scope and focus

The book, Aspiring to a promising Africa we want, is situated within the discipline of development studies. It addresses critical developmental issues crucial for the African continent to achieve sustainable development goals. The work takes a multi-disciplinary approach to addressing the African continent’s various problems. The book addresses economic, political, social, cultural and environmental efforts that Africa aspires to promote in this ultimate goal of becoming a dominant player in the global arena. The book is based on seven aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 Africa We Want, interlinked with sustainable development goals. Due to this, several goals and sub-themes form part of these aspirations.

The proposed chapters that fit the book’s scope and are of high quality will be assessed by the appropriate AOSIS Editorial Board. It will undergo independent, anonymous, double-blinded internal and external review by expert reviewers. It will be facilitated and managed by Professor Andries van Aarde (Commissioning Editor of AOSIS Scholarly Books) to guarantee high scientific quality and relevance to the subject.

Requirements

The length of a chapter should be between 8 000–11 000 words. The book, Aspiring to a promising Africa we want, will be aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, linked to the African Union Agenda 2063: The Africa we Want (visit https://au.int/agenda2063/sdgs).

Important dates

• The abstract (150–250 words) of your proposed chapter should be submitted before 15 September 2022.
• Your full paper contribution before 30 October 2022.

Kindly note that depending on the number of chapter proposals and abstracts received and approved, the book, Aspiring to a promising Africa we want, could consist of two volumes.

If you would like to be the author (or co-author) of one of the following chapters, please send an abstract to the corresponding volume editor, Dr. Vimbai Chibango, at vimbaic@dut.ac.za.

The chapters include:

1. Social well-being

Social well-being is a state where human beings coexist peacefully due to equal access to basic needs such as education, food, housing, water, shelter and health services. This chapter provides a synopsis of how the various sustainable development goals all contribute to the attainment of social well-being for African citizens. Interestingly, a causal relationship also shows us that how individuals, communities and countries relate has a bearing on Africa’s aspirations of transforming itself into the global powerhouse of the future.

2. Education revolution
This chapter discusses important aspects that contributed to a specific group of African women’s achievement in doctoral studies, considering the underrepresentation of African women doctoral graduates throughout Africa. The chapter highlights resilience as one of the major sources of strength which enabled them to succeed amidst the challenges.

3. Economic resilience
The Organisation of African Union commits itself to support Africa’s new path to inclusive and sustainable economic growth, characterised by economic resilience. Building economic resilience is fundamental in a world susceptible to economic shocks resulting from various social, political and ecological vulnerabilities. This chapter discusses the various ways in which African countries can build and maintain economic resilience through establishing systems that facilitate quick economic recovery from shocks as well as being able to prevent and or withstand economic turmoil.

4. South Africa’s place in Africa and global affairs
This chapter presents the idea that Africa plays a crucial role in global affairs. As such, there is a need for it to strengthen and renew its partnerships, networks, and linkages with global partners as a prerequisite to ensure success and goals for sustainable development.

5. African capital markets
For Africa to achieve its developmental goals by 2063, capital markets can be a resource in financing its development goals. This chapter broadly deals with African economies’ linkages amongst the member states and their connectedness to the global markets. Issues discussed include how African economies can attract investors, improve macro-fiscal discipline and reduction of budget deficits and gain support from international financial institutions with the aim of financing development goals.

6. Poverty, inequality and hunger
One of the underlying causes of food insecurity is poverty and inequality. This chapter explores and analyses how African countries can deal with different forms of inequality and end poverty in all its forms.

7. Economic diversification
Economic diversification is one of the major techniques for economic development. Its strengths lie in enabling a sustainable cycle or variation of economic activities, which lead to increased productivity, job creation and poverty reduction, among others. The chapter demonstrates key features of economic diversification that include but are not limited to building reliable infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and giving room to innovation within the economic landscape.

8. Local governance and public participation
The issue of public participation is receiving increasing attention in South Africa from both government and civil society sectors. The paper will examine the architecture of public participation in SA. It will look at community experiences of attempting to engage with municipalities in development planning and policy processes and their aspirations and expectations in this regard.

9. Peace and security
One of the aspirations of the Organisation of African Unity is for a peaceful and secure Africa by use of a dialogue-centred approach to conflict prevention and resolution. This chapter will discuss that the absence of peace, security and stability, jeopardises the attainment of development goals. Promoting peace, security, justice, and accountability in Africa will ensure the conservation of its people and its environment, which creates favourable conditions for sustainable development.

10. Cultural values and African heritage
Africa is bestowed with a rich history and cultural diversity, which play a significant role in shaping national and regional identities, thereby building strong linkages and solidarity within Africa’s indigenous ethnic groups and the African descent in the diaspora. Preserving cultural values, artefacts, indigenous knowledge systems, cultural heritage, and creative arts are essential elements of the African renaissance. This chapter aims to unveil the role African culture and heritage, which can be referred to as the continent’s soul, plays in pushing Agenda 2063. The chapter highlights that the link between culture and sustainable development cannot be undervalued.

11. Violence and discrimination against women and girls
The Agenda 2063 aspires for an Africa that is non-sexists and ensures the eradication of all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls. It aims to promote equal access to opportunities between men and women and end the marginalisation of women on economic, social, cultural and political platforms. This chapter argues that women are vital contributors to the global economy. Hence, without active participation in the socio-economic and political affairs, the aspirations of the Africa We Want may not be met with success.

12. Gender equality and pandemics
Gender equality is a human right in which men and women, girls and boys, have equal value and participate as equals. The Agenda 2063 aspires for an Africa which enables both men and women to have equal access to economic, social and political opportunities. This chapter aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on achieving gender equality and draws lessons from various gender-sensitive responses employed in other pandemics.

13. Youth empowerment and children’s rights
Young people are integral in shaping the face of Africa We Want. Therefore, equipping them with the necessary tools and skills for lifelong learning can build a bright future for them and Africa. This chapter demonstrates that promoting youths, adolescents and children’s rights to quality education, a healthy, safe and sustainable future, and rights to be heard on matters and decisions that will affect their future is indispensable to Africa’s development aspirations.

14. Agricultural productivity and production
Agriculture is one of the key economic activities in Africa. Therefore, increasing agricultural productivity and production invites other opportunities such as employment, increased exports and food security. This chapter highlights the major thrusts to sustainable agricultural productivity and production in Africa through science-led agricultural transformation, among other innovations.

15. Marine resources and energy
Oceans and their resources play a pivotal ecological role as they provide food, energy, tourism, coastal protection and transport. This chapter demonstrates that Africa has a rich marine resource that can facilitate economic growth and highlights the importance of sustainably preserving and utilising the marine economy.

16. Water security
Water security is considered one of the priority areas on Agenda 2063 and is an essential concept of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This chapter outlines the linkages between access to clean, drinkable water and environmental sustainability. It also brings forth the challenges associated with water insecurity, which may include poor sanitation and hygiene, increasing mortality and spreading infectious diseases.

17. Climate resilience
Climate resilience is an essential strategy in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The world is experiencing climatic changes as a result of global warming. This chapter highlights some key practices Africa may consider in building climate resilience to preserve planetary health. It also outlines the relationship between climate change, natural disasters, inequality and poverty across the different countries around the world.

18. Communications and infrastructure
Africa aspires to improve the world-class infrastructure criss-crosses by establishing new initiatives connecting the continent in all the various possible means of networks such as road, rail, air and sea. The chapter explores how member states can collectively build sustainable and inclusive industrialisation using the various technological resources and innovations vested in it.

19. Human rights, justice and rule of law
Human rights, justice and the rule of law play an important role in protecting citizens against all forms of human practices such as corruption, discrimination and violence. This chapter discusses critical issues that foster peace, justice, democracy, accountability and good governance as they form an integral part of sustainable development.

20. Health and nutrition
Ensuring the health and nutrition of its citizens is one of the goals linked to Africa’s aspiration to be a prosperous continent based on inclusive growth and sustainable development. This chapter provides the opportunities that Africa can invest in to ensure that its citizens’ health is catered for and prevent malnutrition among disadvantaged communities and populations.

Regards

Dr Vimbai Chibango, Corresponding volume-editor, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa

Ms Thea Korff, Managing Editor, AOSIS Scholarly Books, Cape Town, South Africa

Publish your book with AOSIS Scholarly Books

If you are considering submitting a book to AOSIS Scholarly Books for publication in 2023, please download and submit the book proposal form at books.aosis.co.za.