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?

Investigation/research on what the future might look like and come up with better choices and concrete decisions.

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

Five years

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

Ghana, Malawi, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia & Mozambique

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

English

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

Future studies is a discipline that incorporate all aspects of human behaviour in helping us understand the choices we make and the decisions we take in life.

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

A better understanding of the world we are living in as human beings.

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

The interactive nature of humanity and the natural environment.

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

I am a PHD Candidate in the field of history.

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

Others describe me as… courageous

I describe myself as… self-motivating

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

What is one of your favourite quotes about the future?

"Only through research man can project what is ahead of him/her."

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

It is in its emergent state as new information is becoming available due to technologies.

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

Inability to adapt to change (may be due to fear).

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?

Be a self-starter and work without having fear the unknowns.

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

Nothing specific as the world is shaped by many disciplines.

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

Google