Decolonizing tech key to Africa’s knowledge future – Scholars
Scholars emphasize the importance of decolonizing technology to better serve African knowledge production at a recent workshop.
During a workshop focused on digital humanities, held by the Graduate Research Clinic, scholars from prominent universities discussed the necessity of decolonizing technology to enhance knowledge production in Africa. The workshop, chaired by Professor Francis Egbokhare, aimed to merge technology with humanistic study, while underscoring the need for a cultural lens in tech development.
Among the discussions, Professor Tunde Ope-Davies highlighted the importance of 'territorializing' digital tools, advocating for technology that truly reflects African realities and narratives rather than perpetuating colonial perspectives. He emphasized that for technology to be truly effective in serving African societies, it should be rooted in local contexts and cultural understandings.
Dr. James Yékú’s presentation on computational text analysis and digital mapping illustrated practical ways scholars can harness digital tools without losing sight of their indigenous knowledge systems. The discourse at the workshop represents a critical step towards reshaping how technology is viewed and utilized within African contexts, aiming to foster development and innovation that align with the continent’s unique cultural and intellectual heritage.