ABOUT YOU AS A FUTURES THINKER / PRACTITIONER

You identify yourself as an African futures thinker or practitioner. How would you describe to the woman or man on the street what it is that you do in this regard?

I am working to ensure that the voices of the voiceless/marginalized people are heard and that the decision makers are not taking any decision without consulting them. Also to make them be aware of their rights in order to claim them.

How many years have you worked as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

Twenty years

In which countries or places have you had working experience as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

South Africa, Angola, Gabon, Congo, DRC, Ethiopia, Zambia & Zimbabwe.

In what languages have you undertaken futures / foresight related work or research?

French & English

What is it that motivates you to work or participate in the foresight / future studies / related field

To advance the promotion of a better future for our continent and The Pan Africanism philosophy in innovative ways.

What goal/s would you most like to reach with your work as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

My goals are to make a significant impact in the life of many Africans with a clear vision of the future of Africa from now.

Who or what most influenced your thinking as a futures thinker / practitioner, and how?

Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther Jr., Mahatma Gandhi & Nelson Mandela made me see that even an ordinary person can make a difference in the life of many if informed, willing & committed. Also the STAR FISH story by Loren Eiseley.

What is your main disciplinary background? (i.e. your primary training / qualification)

I think the fact that I went to a Catholic school in my childhood and to become a Priest is what shaped me in terms of self-discipline and focus.

How do other people describe you and how do you describe yourself?

Others describe me as… Passionate

I describe myself as… Fearless

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

What is one of your favourite quotes about the future?

“If we don’t stand for something, We may fall for anything.” - Malcom X

How would you describe the state of African futures thinking right now?

Africa futures thinking is very poor, taking into account our educational system which isn’t making or boosting African Thinkers. The digital media system is also killing creativity of some African thinkers. People are having the tendency to use the copy and paste approach.

What is, in your opinion, the main barrier to uptake of futures knowledge by African institutions and organisations?

• Lack of a reading culture
• Lack of a proper mechanism of transferring the skills from elders to the African Youth
• Poverty in our continent is not encouraging many Africans to prioritise knowledge.

If you were to give advice to someone who wants a career in African foresight / future studies, what would you say to him or her?

To be innovative and creative in everything he/she would like to do for his/her future.

What are your recommended readings for every African futures thinker / practitioner?

History books of Africa by African writers and the mind boost/ motivational books.

What are your recommendations for other favourite futures resources: websites, newsfeeds, mailing lists, associations, etc.?

Google groups, websites, newsfeeds, Facebook groups, Wikipedia, etc.