Ubuntu as a Possible Virtuous Weapon in the Fight Against Poverty and Inequalities

This chapter examines the possible role of Ubuntu in addressing poverty and inequalities in sub-Saharan Africa. It explores the meaning of Ubuntu and analyses how the key tenets of Ubuntu can be a virtuous weapon in the face of poverty and inequalities. The chapter contends that Ubuntu is an institution and social philosophy whose emphasis on solidarity potentially positions it to provide effective responses to poverty and inequalities. It argues that Ubuntu can promote participation in policy design, implementation and assessment. Further, it maintains that the reduction of economic inequalities entailed by Ubuntu-based policies would also reduce poverty. The other channel through which Ubuntu promotes development is the creation of self-help groups at village level (but also in urban contexts). The chapter also discusses some of the limitations of Ubuntu in the quest to address poverty and inequalities.