This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
As Africa enters the post-Covid-19 era, it is imperative that the continent re-examines its economic and political affairs. The God concept many Africans hold was taught by colonial masters, yet they retained some cultural beliefs. This has left many Africans confused.
A century after the Berlin conference, Western spiritual influences had largely supplanted African traditional beliefs. The arrival of Pentecostal preachers further complicated the situation, demonizing older churches and traditional religion.
However, Africa's age-old wisdom was more effective than the conquerors' teachings. For instance, the need for social distancing was a norm in Africa, but was abandoned in favor of Western customs. The continent is now re-learning this valuable lesson.
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni once lectured European diplomats on the importance of respecting African customs, including public displays of affection. In East Africa, the adoption of Western teachings led to the defilement of Lake Victoria, which is now fighting back.
Despite the lack of written records, the 1900 agreement between the British and the Buganda kingdom provides valuable insight into Africa's pre-colonial wisdom. The agreement preserved a tenth of the land for natural forest cover, a decision that was later overridden by foreign-inspired greed.
Other examples of Africa's lost wisdom abound. The largest clan in Buganda has the lungfish as its totem, a fish that lived and bred in wetlands. The preservation of wetlands was a direct result of this cultural practice, but they are now largely gone due to development.
It is time for Africa to re-think for itself and reclaim its lost wisdom. The continent's future depends on it.
Kenya's decision to denominate loans in Kenyan shillings and China's move to abandon the dollar are hopeful signs that Africa is on the path to recovery.
