Renowned scholar, Prof Achille Mbembe, honoured with prestigious Holberg Prize.

The announcement was made on March 14 by The Holberg Prize organisation via its official Facebook page.

They hailed Prof Mbembe for his ground-breaking research in African history, postcolonial studies, humanities and social science. 

Mbembe, a political theorist currently affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, stands as one of the most-read and most-cited intellectuals from the African continent.

Speaking in an interview after his award, the seasoned academic is quoted as having said: "I see Africa as both the world's 'reserve power' and the world's 'power reservoir,' a power storehouse for the future". 

Born in 1957 near Otélé in the Centre Region, Prof Mbembe's academic journey has been marked by a fervent dedication to exploring the complexities of African society and its historical narratives.

Notably, he has fearlessly spoken out against the handling of the Anglophone crisis by the government, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and political accountability.

Currently serving as a lecturer of philosophy at the University of the Witwatersrand, Prof Mbembe's scholarship has resonated globally, shaping discourse on colonial legacies, power dynamics and the future trajectory of African nations.

The Holberg Prize ceremony, scheduled to take place at the University of Bergen in Norway on June 6, will serve as a platform to honour Prof Achille Mbembe's exceptional contributions to academia and society at large. 

As he prepares to receive the prestigious accolade, Prof Mbembe's legacy continues to inspire generations of scholars and activists, reaffirming the importance of critical inquiry and intellectual courage in navigating the complexities of the world.