'A commitment to excellence'

摘要

On leaving Potto Novo, the political and cultural capital of Benin, a sign says: "Songhai, a commitment to excellence." Placed there as part of an innovative back-to-the-land development project, it brings to mind the great African empire of the 16thcentury-the Songhai empirereminding visitors who might share the present mood of "Afro-pessimism" that the continent has also known its periods of success and splendor. The Songhai Project comes from local people's will to take up a challenge. Behind itall is an African Catholic priest, Father Nzamujo, originally from Nigeria and a member of a Dominican community at Cotonou. After a long period of training in the United States, where he also taught computer studies and biochemistry, he realized that all his knowledge of economics, biochemistry and other subjects would be of no use to Africa unless he adapted it to the continent's specific needs and context.