African Renaissance Junejuly 2004

The decision to set up this journal arose from a series of discussions, mostly via email exchanges, with some Africanists. Interest on African Renaissance had been re-ignited by President Thabo Mbeki's I am an African speech. The speech had given rise to different reactions, with some mockingly asking when Africa ever had its naissance. We were among the group of Africanists that saw the notion as a narrative for development, and a project for intellectually resisting any drive towards re-colonisation. The invasion of Iraq and subsequent re-colonisation of the country had been a wake-up call to all Africanists.

For the African Renaissance, we wanted to have a bi-monthly journal, where the articles will be a cross between academic research works and features as in any serious magazine or newspaper. The aim is to create a non-ideological, non-sectarian platform, where serious exchanges can take place among Africanists without the Shenanigans and 'tribalism' often associated with academic journals. We expect this to become one of the most credible reference sources for policymakers, policy professionals and stakeholders in Africa.

For our maiden edition, we have chosen to examine the relations between Africa and Arabia. We brought together professionals and authorities of different persuasions, and asked them to approach the theme as they saw fit. What we have is a rich menu, which we believe will raise sufficient questions, if not answers, for any one really interested in the dynamics of the relations between Africa and Arabia. We have also published comments on some of the contributions.

Besides the lead theme, there are also many other stimulating analyses, from the recent elections in South Africa to the AIDS epidemic.