In a forthright and uncompromising manner, Olufemi Taiwo explores Africa's hostility toward modernity and how that hostility has impeded economic development and social and political transformation. What has to change for Africa to be able to respond to the challenges of modernity and globalization? Taiwo insists that Africa can renew itself only by fully engaging with democracy and capitalism and by mining its untapped intellectual resources. While many may not agree with Taiwo's positions, they will be unable to ignore what he says. This is a bold exhortation for Africa to come into the 21st century.

About the Author

Olufemi Taiwo is Professor of Africana Studies at the Africana Studies and Research Center, Cornell University. He is author of How Colonialism Preempted Modernity in Africa (IUP, 2010).

Reviews

Whoever thinks he knows the problem of Africa had better read this book. Whoever feels there is no known solution that can apply should read this book first; but whoever wishes to remain unperturbed about the African predicament had better not read this book. This book almost certainly will challenge any mind. The author has evidently written down thoughts that cost him his sleep for many years now.

* African Studies Quarterly *

Taiwo's firm and fierce argument is timely because it unapologetically prompts questions. . .45.4 Winter 2014

* Research in AFRICAN LITERATURES *

This book is a brave and boisterous attempt to challenge Africa to follow a clear-cut development trajectory in the face of its disappointing performance in the development arena in the post-colonial period. Taiwo provides an interesting analysis of modernity as the key to attaining Africa's development. The author's bold declarations on Africa's development trajectory make the book exceedingly readable, and place Taiwo amongst the ranks of other African development trajectory scholars like Sabelo Ndlovu and Moeletsi Mbeki.

* African Affairs *

Africa Must Be Modern is an important statement that should be debated in both the academy that Taiwo critiques and the African public sphere he hopes to engage.

* Journal of West African History *



Book Information
ISBN 9780253012753
Author Olufemi Taiwo
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press