In a groundbreaking achievement for African academia, Professor Achille Mbembe, a Cameroonian-born scholar, has been named the recipient of the esteemed Holberg Prize, becoming the first African to receive this prestigious honour. The Holberg Prize, endowed with a value of approximately US$575,000, is bestowed annually to an outstanding researcher in the humanities, social sciences, law, or theology, under the auspices of the University of Bergen on behalf of the Norwegian government.
Currently affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, Mbembe's groundbreaking contributions to postcolonial thought and his relentless pursuit of reimagining the human experience beyond historical confines have earned him international recognition. He is associated with the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WISER).
Heike Krieger, chairman of the Holberg Committee, lauded Mbembe's scholarly work for transcending traditional notions of decolonization and embracing a universalist perspective on humanity. She commended his dedication to confronting historical truths and fostering cross-cultural dialogue on a global scale.
Mbembe's scholarship, known for its exploration of alternative narratives that transcend the legacies of race, colonialism, and segregation, has received widespread acclaim. His visionary approach to envisioning an inclusive future has resonated globally, with his books translated into 17 languages.
The Holberg Prize, named in honour of Danish-Norwegian writer Ludvig Holberg, celebrates scholars who excel across various disciplines, embodying the values of enlightenment and intellectual rigour. Mbembe now joins the esteemed ranks of past laureates, including Joan Martinez-Alier, Martha C Nussbaum, and Jürgen Habermas.
Formally presented with the prize on June 6 at the University of Bergen, Mbembe's recognition marks a significant milestone in African intellectual history. His achievement not only underscores the wealth of scholarship emanating from the continent but also reaffirms Africa's prominent position on the global stage of academic excellence.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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