academic freedom in africa: the struggle rages on

This book leaves no stone unturned in its comprehensive examination of the complex challenges surrounding academic freedom in Africa.

Drawing on diverse perspectives and methodologies, it delves into the historical, philosophical, legal, and socio-political dimensions shaping academic freedom across the continent. The authors grapple with colonial legacies, tensions between Western and African notions of intellectual liberty, government authoritarianism, and institutional constraints that hinder open discourse and the pursuit of knowledge. The book highlights systemic obstacles and promising avenues for progress through case studies, comparative analysis, and empirical research, such as constitutional reforms, scholar activism, and regional networks. This thought-provoking volume offers critical insights into the state of academic freedom in Africa, emphasising the necessity of supporting African voices and agencies in the quest for meaningful intellectual autonomy.

Academic Freedom in Africa is an essential read for students, scholars, policymakers, and anyone concerned with the future of higher education and democracy on the continent.

Yamikani Ndasauka is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Malawi. He holds visiting and senior research positions at the Centre for Philosophy of Epidemiology, Medicine and Public Health at Durham University and the University of Johannesburg.

Garton Kamchedzera is an Associate Professor at the University of Malawi. He has been Dean for three terms (199-2001, 2001-2003, and 2016-2018) at the Faculty of Law, University of Malawi. As a legal educationist and scholar, he has taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the Universities of Malawi, Cambridge, Warwick, and Ghent. As a researcher and legal and development consultant, he has also researched, consulted, and trained judicial and other public and private officials. He was guest editor for the East African Law Journal and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Law and Social Justice.