Understanding the Role of African Religion in Enhancing Morality in Africa Today

Today, Africa, just like any other parts of the world, is rapidly changing in many aspects of life, morality being part of it. The question which has to be posed and answered at once is: is Africa, in terms of morality, changing for better or worse? Despite the presence and influence of other foreign religions in Africa such as Christianity and Islam, commentators argue that a plethora of unethical acts are persistent. Using the philosophical approach, this paper intends to examine the changing morality in Africa focusing on the nature, possible causes for such change and proposes the possible solutions. The proposed solutions are derived from African religion which is understood as having intrinsic connection with African ethics. Ethical values which are derived from such interface are identified and rethought as normative forces for enhancing morality in Africa today. Indigenous ethical values, which constitute the identity of Africans, ought to guide contemporary African societies rather than relying on foreign ethical models.