I’ve been thinking lately about the state of elite production in Africa. On the one hand, one could make the case that Africa, like the rest of the world, suffers from an overproduction of the credentialed class. Domesticating Peter Turchin’s concept of Elite Overproduction within the African experience, I want to explore with you how this has played out on the continent. I will be linking what I call Degree Obsolescence with Elite Overproduction.

On the other hand, one could argue that Africa is underproducing elites. This doesn’t immediately become obvious given the exponential growth of degree holders over the past decades. If it is true that Africa is underproducing elites, in what ways is that playing out and what are the consequences?

Join me as I explore this paradox.