New Release: The Right to Development in Africa

Serges Djoyou Kamga’s The Right to Development in Africa: Issues, Constraints and Prospects is a critical examination of the obstacles and possibilities surrounding Africa’s right to development. The book highlights the multifaceted nature of development, emphasizing that it is not merely an economic issue but also a matter of governance, social justice, and cultural identity. Kamga argues that sustainable development in Africa hinges on fostering respect for the rule of law, addressing corruption, embracing indigenous African philosophies, promoting gender justice, and securing access to education.

One of the book’s strongest contributions is its insistence on viewing development through a human rights lens. Kamga emphasizes that legal and institutional reforms are essential in ensuring that development efforts are inclusive and equitable. He critiques the structural barriers that hinder progress, such as weak legal frameworks and governance failures, and provides a range of recommendations aimed at overcoming these hurdles. His argument is deeply rooted in an appreciation of African traditions, which he believes should be leveraged alongside modern legal and policy frameworks to create an approach that is both locally relevant and globally competitive.

The book also underscores the significance of gender equality and education as foundational pillars of sustainable development. Kamga asserts that without addressing these social inequalities, any development strategy will be fundamentally flawed. His discussion extends beyond legal theory into actionable policy insights, making the book not only a scholarly contribution but also a practical guide for policymakers, academics, students, and legal practitioners engaged in development and human rights discourse.

The Right to Development in Africa: Issues, Constraints and Prospects is a thought-provoking and indispensable read for anyone interested in Africa’s development trajectory. Kamga’s insightful analysis and policy recommendations offer a compelling case for reimagining development through a justice-centered and culturally grounded lens. The book is a significant addition to the discourse on human rights and development, providing a much-needed African perspective on one of the most pressing global challenges of our time.

About the Author

Serges Djoyou Kamga is a Professor of Law at the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute (TMALI) at the University of South Africa (UNISA). He is a member of the Cross-cultural Human Rights Centre, a consortium involving institutions from Europe, China, and Africa dedicated to integrating Southern perspectives into global human rights discussions. His research spans leadership and the African renaissance, development and human rights, cross-cultural human rights perspectives, and disability rights. He has made significant scholarly contributions in these fields, furthering discussions on Africa’s role in global human rights frameworks.