African Financial Ecosystem

Historically and contextually, various integration models were experimented with by colonial powers, but these systems largely collapsed post-independence. For instance, the French attempted to maintain cohesion but prioritized their own interests, leading to fragmentation.

Efforts in East and West Africa similarly faltered, as each nation pursued its own agenda without a unified political will. South Africa made a notable attempt, but integration never materialized; it would have required a different approach, such as the adoption of a SADC currency.

The recent endeavors of AES countries and Zimbabwe’s new currency inject fresh dynamics into this ecosystem. Concurrently, the rise of new technologies presents both challenges and opportunities for financial integration.

Public organizations and pan-African institutions play crucial roles in navigating this journey, where the political dimension holds significant sway. Additionally, international dynamics, exemplified by initiatives like those of the BRICs, further influence the landscape.

Taken together, these elements paint an intriguing picture, fostering discussions on the African ecosystem and brainstorming plausible solutions. The ultimate aim is to achieve, within a reasonable timeframe, a monetary union and a common African currency.

Beware! The Cascading Has Arrived

This book had its origins in the many natural disasters that seemed to be increasing in number and intensity in recent years. An ever-increasing loss of life, spiraling economic costs and losses, and a lack of national, coordinated recognition and understanding of the dangers these natural disasters foretold were evident.  Additional concerns included a political attitude that ignored the realities of the dire future impacts of climate change.  Priority for short-term issues which has taken precedence over the need for long-term policies, including financing, that address the needed changes were evident. Many of the requirements and procedures necessary for these changes will require attitudinal and behavioral changes. These will necessitate taking care of our oceans. Changes in land use will most likely need the migration of large segments of our population and will not be popular.

            Although many of the changes will not be happily received and will require significant funding allocations, the alternatives to not taking action are far worse.  Natural disasters of worse magnitude than we have experienced will continue to occur, and the cascading effects will be beyond imagination.

            An approach to preparation that involves planning and funding outside of political control, involving local, state, regional, and national involvement is necessary.  Cadres of high school graduates and college-age students who are willing to serve a one-to two-year service program could provide a ready force to assist in dealing with the planning of pre-event needs and helping with dealing with the aftermath of disasters should be implemented.

Humans as Third Dimensional Beings

Explore a fresh lens on human identity in 'Humans as Third Dimensional Beings', where the author introduces a unique dimension that sets Homo sapiens apart – the Third Human Dimension (THD). Traditionally viewed as bi-dimensional entities encompassing body and soul, this book ventures beyond, inspired by a rich blend of cultural insights, social science theories, and Islamic perspectives.

Contrary to prevalent social science paradigms that label humans as Homo Oeconomicus, Homo Politicus, or Homo Sociologus, Professor Dhaouadi underscores a vital yet overlooked facet: Homo Culturus or the Third Dimensional Being. The philosopher and social scientist Herbert Marcuse once analysed ‘one-dimensional man’. This work not only challenges social scientists for overlooking the Homo Culturus aspect but also critiques anthropologists, despite their focus on culture, for missing this crucial dimension.

Highlighting the THD or the Homo Culturus is imperative for lending credibility to social sciences, especially when asserting the three Homos as fundamental aspects of human behavior. Dive into an enlightening discourse that re-evaluates human essence through the prismatic lens of culture, offering a novel conceptualization that enriches the understanding of our complex nature.

Radical Resilience

In this incredible world of diversity, there is a darkness that blinds us from recognizing the beauty and value of all humanity. We are held hostage by our misconceptions, prejudices and fears.

How do we break free?

There is hope in the darkness. Beacons of light shine amongst us revealing the goodness of mankind. These courageous ones are moved by the people before them. They see into the human heart and respond with compassion. They understand their responsibility to partner for justice, creating a Radical Resilience that causes people to rise above their circumstances to thrive.

May the power of partnership create a Radical Resilience that changes the world.

Sigfluence

Sigfluence is a word invented by Dr. John F. Loase. It means significant, long term, positive influence. After 20 plus years of research, Loase had a big breakthrough. He found that sigfluence was the best predictor of a satisfying life. Sigfluence is to the human spirit, what exercise is to the human body.

This book features sigfluence role models like Mother Teresa, Victor Frankl, and Jimmy Carter as well as practical advice to enhance your sigfluence legacy.

The Coming Singularity

As we approach 2050, it is projected that human consciousness will encounter a superior intelligence for the very first time: artificial machine intelligence. It is important for us to understand the evolutionary impact of this event, but also that we are being altered from the inside out for the singularity to arise.

Are we ready?

Will we be adaptive?

How will we change?

The Coming Singularity explores the psychological impact of the changes coming our way and the many adaptations we will have to make.

We are transitioning to a world of one degree of separation, with only the illusion of privacy, autonomy and anonymity. All of us are undergoing a transition to an electronic identity, one that can reach back and change the real you. The question going forward will be, who is the real you?

A cluster of psychological symptoms are evolving from our technology interface––Identity Diffusion. Its key feature is the de-realization of life.

Direct brain-to-technology interfaces will soon render our brains an open-source forum. We need to discuss who is in there and why!

The impact of e-technology on human identity will be profound, but it is also a prerequisite for machine intelligence to arise. We need to discuss this.

We humans reside in complex, dynamical networks. The goal of artificial intelligence will be to evolve and stabilize these networks. And we may not be the priority.

They Died on My Watch

Who was the actress who died just before Christmas? She was the voice of …..... in …......
Did Hitler commit suicide, or was he shot by Russian troops?
Do you remember what year Princess Diana died in that car crash in Paris?
How many husbands did Elizabeth Taylor divorce in her lifetime?
What was that well known British actor who passed away right after David Bowie died?

Questions you might hear at the next table of your favourite eatery. Questions you may or may not know the answer to. They Died on My Watch can answer these and many more. It is a comprehensive reference work that should prove itself indispensable to any household. Most certainly a book to sustain interest when cruising at 35,000 feet between London and New York. It might be seen as the ultimate ‘umpire’ to settle any argument that may arise within a discussion involving a deceased celebrity, recent or not.

Things Come Together

In the spirit of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, which examined a turbulent time in Africa’s history, Things Come Together grapples with modern challenges and seeks to bring hope for the continent’s future. The book traverses a wide range of perspectives, from the scientific to the artistic, the physical to the sociological, political, economic, and metaphysical. Heeding Einstein’s observation that problems cannot be solved with the same mindset that created them, Mzwandile Mbatha offers thoughtful analysis of varied issues, as well as potential solutions leading to prosperity and progress. Things Come Together sends an uplifting message that, through understanding and innovation, Africa can overcome obstacles and thrive and prosper. The book aims to inspire readers to be part of positive change.

Schoolhouse Burning