https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250808/africa-must-stop-measuring-its-success-through-lens-of-western-metric-sa-scholar-says-1076648785.html
Africa 'Must Stop Measuring Its Success Through Lens of Western Metric,' SA Scholar Says
Africa 'Must Stop Measuring Its Success Through Lens of Western Metric,' SA Scholar Says
Sputnik Africa
The African continent is rich in talent, but colonial and post-colonial systems suppressed the recognition and development of its "brilliance," a South African... 08.08.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-08-08T12:34+0200
2025-08-08T12:34+0200
2025-08-08T12:34+0200
opinion
africa
africa insight
development
west
education
artificial intelligence (ai)
science
youth
colonialism
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e9/08/08/1076649356_0:80:1536:944_1920x0_80_0_0_91b28fad33f38e8daac2dff805e7a09a.png
Africa should stop relying on Western metrics and foreign rankings, which were imposed during the colonial era, to measure success, professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of the Free State, South Africa, Abdon Atangana told Sputnik Africa.According to him, the "eagle and chicken" metaphor illustrates how talented Africans, raised in limiting environments, may not realize their potential and react to challenges from a place of limitation, not strength. To Lead in AI, Africa Must 'Cultivate Strong Mathematical Foundation'Math departments in African educational institutions should be elevated from merely support units for other disciplines to strategic centers of innovation, Atangana remarked.Moreover, investment is needed in PhD programs, postdoctoral research, and regional research institutes focused on key mathematical fields, the expert added.According to the speaker, the first step to African AI innovation is teaching children the power and beauty of mathematics — not just formulas.
africa
west
south africa
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
2025
News
en_EN
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
Africa 'Must Stop Measuring Its Success Through Lens of Western Metric,' SA Scholar Says
Sputnik Africa
Africa 'Must Stop Measuring Its Success Through Lens of Western Metric,' SA Scholar Says
2025-08-08T12:34+0200
true
PT1S
To Lead in AI, Africa Must "Cultivate Strong Mathematical Foundation," SA Professor Says
Sputnik Africa
To Lead in AI, Africa Must "Cultivate Strong Mathematical Foundation," SA Professor Says
2025-08-08T12:34+0200
true
PT1S
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
africa, africa insight, development, west, education, artificial intelligence (ai), science, youth, colonialism, видео, south africa
africa, africa insight, development, west, education, artificial intelligence (ai), science, youth, colonialism, видео, south africa
Africa 'Must Stop Measuring Its Success Through Lens of Western Metric,' SA Scholar Says
Elizaveta Roschina
Writer/Editor
The African continent is rich in talent, but colonial and post-colonial systems suppressed the recognition and development of its "brilliance," a South African professor said.
Africa should stop relying on Western metrics and foreign rankings, which were imposed during the colonial era, to measure success, professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of the Free State, South Africa, Abdon Atangana told Sputnik Africa.
According to him, the "eagle and chicken" metaphor illustrates how talented Africans, raised in limiting environments, may not realize their potential and react to challenges from a place of limitation, not strength.
"For African universities and research entities to unlock the full potential of our youth, they must undergo structural transformation," the expert noted.
To Lead in AI, Africa Must 'Cultivate Strong Mathematical Foundation'
Math departments in African educational institutions should be elevated from merely support units for other disciplines to strategic centers of innovation, Atangana remarked.
Moreover, investment is needed in PhD programs, postdoctoral research, and regional research institutes focused on key mathematical fields, the expert added.
According to the speaker, the first step to African AI innovation is teaching children the power and beauty of mathematics — not just formulas.
