Cameroonian historian and political scientist, Achille Mbembe, has been nominated the laureate of the prestigious Holberg Prize for arts and letters, humanities, law, and theology on March 14th.
Currently serving as a professor of history and political science at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, Achille Mbembe’s body of work has secured him the Holberg Prize for 2024. Instituted by the Norwegian Parliament in 2003 with a prize value of approximately 550,000 euros, this award is presented annually to a leading researcher in the fields of humanities, social sciences, law, or theology. The recipient must have made a significant impact on international research and debates within these realms of knowledge.
Renowned globally for his contributions to contemporary history, postcolonial studies, and political theory, the 66-year-old scholar has delved into the intersections between decolonization and critical issues such as racism, sovereignty, borders, mobility, technological advancements, and the future of our planet. Drawing from African experiences, Mbembe has introduced pivotal concepts that have become integral to global academic discourse including postcolony, afropolitanism, necropolitics, terrestrial community, among others.
As a prolific thinker and writer, Achille Mbembe is one of Africa’s most widely read and cited intellectuals. His works translated into 16 languages are subjects of study and discussion in universities worldwide. Notable titles like “Critique of Black Reason”, “Out of the dark night”, “On the post colony”,” “Necropolitics” “Brutalism,” and “Politics on enmity” have garnered acclaim in various countries such as Germany, Brazil, Italy, and the United States.
Beyond academia, Mbembe actively engages in public discourse and has been involved in establishing the Innovation for Democracy Foundation where he serves as director. Despite facing criticism from peers for this endeavor, he views the foundation as a tangible manifestation of his intellectual pursuits in real-world contexts. His advocacy extends to influencing contemporary debates; notably advising on new Africa-France relations by proposing initiatives like the creation of a House of African Worlds in Paris.
Achille Mbembe’s multifaceted contributions to scholarship and society will be celebrated as he receives the Holberg Prize on June 6th at the University of Bergen. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and commitment to bridging academia with real-world impact exemplify his enduring influence on global intellectual discourse.
The Editorial team
