Ubuntu and Rawlsian Justice: A Framework for Addressing Environmental Constraints to Talent Development in Africa

The underdevelopment of Africa continues to be a significant issue, with some scholars, such as Walter Rodney, attributing it to a mix of historical, political, and economic causes. The factors encompass the history of colonialism, persistent wars, and insufficient infrastructure, all of which impede growth and development throughout the continent. However, this paper attributes Africa’s underdevelopment to the environmental circumstances in which numerous African children are raised. This environment, often characterised by antiquated cultural practices, tribal and ethnic conflicts, and poverty, among others, has impeded the capacity to cultivate and express their talent. These limits have a ripple effect, resulting in adverse results such as economic stagnation, diminished global standing, and brain drain, eventually sustaining the cycle of underdevelopment throughout the continent. This paper further claims that the root cause of these factors, especially wars and poverty, which lead to Africa’s underdevelopment, is bad governance. This paper therefore suggests drawing on the principles of Ubuntu and Rawls’ Theory of Justice, that a just and collective society where fairness and equity thrive can provide the foundation for creating a healthy environment that will support the development of children’s talents for the development of Africa.