Celebrating Africa Scientific Renaissance Day: Acknowledging Contributions and Confronting Challenges

Summary

Africa Scientific Renaissance Day (ASRD) on June 30 celebrates Africa's contributions to science and technology, acknowledging both modern advancements and ancient practices. Established in 1987 by the African Union, this day emphasizes the importance of recognizing African knowledge systems that have been marginalized throughout history. The concept of epistemicide illustrates the suppression of African traditions during colonial times, and recent works like "Geniuses of Humanity" highlight the vital contributions of African scientists. However, the day also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing exploitation in the cobalt industry, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where child labor and human rights abuses persist. To truly honor Africa's legacy, accountability in resource extraction and recognition of African voices in science and history are essential.

June 30 is celebrated as Africa Scientific Renaissance Day (ASRD), a significant date established in 1987 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now recognized as the African Union (AU). This day serves as a reminder to all member countries of the need to recognize Africa’s modern contributions to science and technology, while also highlighting the continent’s ancient and ancestral technologies. These include important practices such as the use of forest medicines for healing, interpretations of climate patterns, sustainable agricultural practices, and initiatives for food security. The commemoration of this day not only acknowledges contemporary achievements but also serves to revitalize the rich heritage of African scientific traditions that have been integral to the continent’s history. A critical aspect to consider in this context is the concept of epistemicide, a term developed by Brazilian philosopher Sueli Carneiro. This term describes the systematic suppression of African knowledge and traditions during the era of slavery, which was largely driven by European colonialism and whiteness. This suppression served as a tool to dominate and discredit African peoples, effectively rendering them invisible in the narratives of history and knowledge production. The consequences of this epistemicide have been profound, leading to a loss of identity and an erasure of the rich contributions that African cultures have made to global knowledge systems. One noteworthy response to this historical erasure is the book "Geniuses of Humanity: African and Afro-descendant Science, Technology, and Innovation," authored by Carlos Eduardo Dias Machado and Alexandra Baldeh Loras in 2017. This work aims to explore and document the historical contributions of Africans to various scientific fields, including the exact, biological, and human sciences. These contributions have often been marginalized or overlooked due to the prevailing Eurocentric perspectives that dominate academic discourse. By emphasizing the achievements of African and Afro-descendant scientists, the authors seek to challenge the dominant narratives that have historically sidelined these voices. Within the Eurocentric framework, which places a premium on written documentation as the primary vehicle for cultural heritage, non-literate peoples have long been regarded as lacking in scientific knowledge. This perspective dismisses the rich oral traditions and indigenous knowledge systems that have existed in Africa for centuries. It is important to recognize, as noted by Cheikh Anta Diop, that many African civilizations were not only non-literate but also possessed their own unique writing systems, demonstrating their capacity for complex thought and record-keeping. In a more inclusive view of scientific sources, Ìyálòrìsá Marli Ògún Méjìre Azevedo highlights that scientific knowledge can stem from various origins. These include written documents, archaeological findings (which reveal silent material evidence of Africa’s contributions to history, such as iron tools and ceramic artifacts), and oral traditions, which serve as repositories and vectors of the accumulated socio-cultural creations of African peoples. This broader understanding of knowledge production is crucial in appreciating the full scope of Africa's contributions to science and technology. The celebration of Africa Scientific Renaissance Day is not merely a historical reflection; it serves as a platform for a (re)birth of dialogue among African leaders today. This day aims to highlight significant scientific discoveries made by Africans that contribute to the social development of humanity. Celebrations typically occur in universities across the continent, as demonstrated by an event at the University of Ghana. This gathering brought together experts to address pressing challenges, such as illegal mining practices, and to explore viable solutions that can mitigate the environmental and health impacts associated with these activities. An essential milestone in the realm of African Studies is the collection edited by UNESCO titled "General History of Africa." This groundbreaking project began in the 1960s and initially comprised eight published volumes, focusing on documenting African history from an African perspective. In recent years, UNESCO has embarked on the preparation of three new volumes to expand this historical narrative. In November 2023, the 10th volume was launched during the third Global Forum Against Racism and Discrimination in São Paulo, Brazil. Under the subtitle “Global Africa,” this volume integrates discussions about the African diaspora as an integral part of the broader narrative of knowledge about Africa. The project, which was initiated in 1964, involved hundreds of historians and experts who faced numerous challenges during its production. The research drew from diverse sources, including oral traditions and archaeological evidence, alongside analyses spanning from antiquity up until 1935. The material produced is available in multiple languages, including Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Swahili, Fulani, and Hausa. This vast collection represents one of the most significant contributions to the field of humanities in the 20th century and forms a crucial part of a larger epistemological revolution aimed at reasserting African voices in historical discourse. However, Africa Scientific Renaissance Day also serves as a poignant reminder of the contradictions inherent in the continent’s situation today. While we celebrate Africa’s contributions to human and technological sciences, we must also confront the harsh realities surrounding the extraction of natural resources like cobalt. The exploitation of these resources often involves violence and oppression, perpetuating cycles of inequality between the Global North and South. Cobalt has been referred to as “blood cobalt,” drawing parallels to the term “blood diamonds” to raise awareness of the devastating impacts of this exploitation on local communities and environments. Cobalt is a crucial element in the production of lithium batteries, which are increasingly seen as sustainable alternatives for electric vehicles and electronic devices. However, the mining practices associated with cobalt extraction, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), raise serious ethical concerns. Reports of appalling working conditions, child labor, and other human rights abuses in cobalt mines highlight the urgent need for accountability within the industry. The DRC is responsible for approximately 60 percent of the global cobalt supply, and the alarming reports of slavery-like conditions among miners cannot be ignored. Despite the promises of reform from the industry and major tech companies like Apple and Google, which utilize cobalt in their products, the demand for this metal continues to escalate. In 2016, Amnesty International publicly denounced the use of child labor in DRC mines, linking major corporations to these practices. Unfortunately, recent legal developments, including a U.S. court’s refusal to hold companies accountable for these violations, underscore the challenges faced in achieving justice for affected communities. This contradiction presents a stark reality: while there have been significant advancements in recognizing the scientific and social contributions of Africans in the 20th and 21st centuries, much work remains to be done. As noted by Amílcar Cabral, “the struggle continues.” We cannot celebrate African contributions to the globalized world while ignoring the ongoing marginalization and exploitation of African peoples. The position occupied by these individuals in the social division of labor relegates them to violent and inhumane living conditions, exemplified by the exploitation of workers in cobalt mines in the DRC. Companies involved in the cobalt trade, such as Huayou Cobalt and Gécamines, which profit immensely from these mineral resources, must be held accountable for their actions. Public denunciations of their practices are essential to raise awareness and ensure that history does not repeat itself. Sustainability and technological advancement should never come at the expense of human dignity and the rights of workers. As we commemorate Africa Scientific Renaissance Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to recognizing and uplifting African contributions to science and technology while advocating for justice and equity in all aspects of development.