Introduction

The idea of development in Africa is often approached from the angle of ‘catching up’ with other continents. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an example of this approach, which is based on universal criteria for assessing progress. However, this universalist vision does not take into account the local realities of the African continent. To better understand and support development in Africa, it is essential to go beyond this standardised approach and consider perspectives based on creationism and evolutionism.

Universalism: A Limited Approach

Universalism seeks to apply identical development standards to all countries, based on indicators such as the poverty rate, infant mortality, or literacy. However, these criteria are often ill-adapted to African realities. By imposing a single reading grid, universalism ignores the specific local characteristics, cultures, and histories of African nations. This approach can even be counter-productive, by promoting imported solutions that do not meet the real needs of local populations.

Creationism: Valuing Local Innovation

Creationism offers an alternative by valuing solutions designed locally to meet the challenges specific to each region. In Africa, local innovation has led to the development of unique solutions such as mobile banking, which has revolutionised access to financial services in sub-Saharan Africa. Creationism emphasises the importance of building on local knowledge and encouraging creativity for appropriate and sustainable development.

Evolutionism: Continuous Adaptation

Evolutionism focuses on how African societies adapt to change and challenges. It recognises that development is not a linear process, but a continuous evolution shaped by the historical experiences and choices of local people. By integrating new technologies while preserving traditions, African societies are demonstrating a capacity for adaptation that must be at the heart of development strategies.

Conclusion

Africa’s development cannot be limited to the simple application of universal criteria. To be truly effective, it must be based on a deep understanding of local realities and the capacity of African societies to innovate and adapt. By combining the perspectives of creationism and evolutionism, Africa can chart its own course towards sustainable development, while being in line with its own values and aspirations.