Africa’s Contributions to World Civilization

Abstract

This chapter aims to provide snapshots of Africa’s contributions to world civilization. Africans have contributed significantly to global history, however, much of it has been denied or suppressed by western gatekeepers. Africa’s precolonial history showed the existence of several civilizations. Western achievements in the fields of science and technology became a yardstick to measure civilization. Nevertheless, it is important to emphasize that world civilization is made up of the contributions of the civilizations of all human races. Indeed, through interactions, either peacefully (trade) or violently (wars of conquest) cultures, ideas of state-building and beliefs systems moved around the globe. This chapter discusses some of the intriguing contributions of Black Africans to world civilization in critical areas such as science and technology, education, arts and music, among others. In the areas of science, technology and innovation, Africans have made their mark. Africans continue to contribute to world civilizsation in the twenty-first century and beyond.