GOOD GOVERNANCE, PHILOSOPHY AND LEADERSHIP: A PROSPECTIVE TO AFRICAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Philosophy is a discipline, central to every aspect of human existence. Whether Africa is compared with other continent or it is considered on its own, most of African countries are in a precarious state. This precarious state has made many scholars to be cynical about the contributions that philosophy has made tremendous efforts towards the development of the continent. The paper adopts analytic method to picture the persistence of African problems in terms of sustainable development. The present poor governance in African nations which gives rise to all manners of social ills is therefore not unconnected with the dislocation or disregard for philosophy in the practice of politics and exercise of governance. Africa is known to be lagging behind in terms of development not only in economy, development, education, politics, technology and science, etc. But, philosophy has attracted prospective changes towards the development of the Africa continent. In this study however, it is argued that such cynical attitude is due to a myopic conception of development. Philosophers should stand to perform better in policy formulations, implementations and governance in African nations. Further negligence of philosophical contributions and philosophers in the governance of African nations will continue to promote the existing culture of mediocrity that is the bane of African sustainable development.