Global optimism over sustainable development has been voiced in academic debates and forecasts. The picture for Africa is not nearly as hopeful, given the persistent declines in hunger, poverty reduction, effective accountability and governance, efficient healthcare delivery, and citizen satisfaction with public goods and services. The peace and stability of the continent are thus threatened by provocative acts and behaviors. Because Africa is incapable of implementing and maintaining drastic measures that can stop the continent's decline within a comprehensive and integrated strategy that prioritizes democratic governance, economic growth, and fair wealth distribution as prerequisites for peace and security, the continent has remained largely unstable and underdeveloped. In many severely mismanaged African states, violent protests or uprisings are a continual concern. The current upheavals and riots are some of the signs of a weak government and the prolonging of the tenure of some undemocratic and avaricious politicians holding public office. Most African states are currently at risk of state capture because of their overwhelming desire for control over resources and political authority. Many African states, lack the capacity to control violence, carry out their civic responsibilities, and win the trust and legitimacy of the people. This has always had an adverse effect on the far greater pace of economic growth, especially when considering the nation's youthful population, rapidly expanding labor force, and appeal as an investment destination. Still, there are significant challenges Africa faces that prevent it from achieving the much-awaited sustainable development and peace. 

Africa currently ranks lowest across nearly all of the Sustainable Development Goals' (SDGs) primary targets. Achieving the SDGs depends heavily on the caliber of the continent's leaders, as evidence indicates that most of them are more focused on advancing their personal fortunes than on bettering Africa. The continent could hardly finance its own expansion, as they illegally allow financial flows outside their separate states and tax havens. Africa must get out of its slumbering, stop this money flow, and figure out how to reroute those massive cash flows—which have been eroding for over a century—into investments that will help the continent reach the Sustainable Development Goals. This calls for deep-rooted intellectual research and problem-solving studies that can re-awaken and re-direct Africa’s path towards sustainable development. This is because Africa’s attainment of the SDGs would likely put an end to challenges confronting it. Therefore, African nations must attempt to achieve the SDGs now, as many of the challenges will become unmanageable if left unattended. For instance, harsh climatic variations could lead to loss of cropland and livestock that could have abetted in the reduction of hunger. Africa needs to act fast in addressing some of these challenges, and one of the ways to do this is through well-articulated research that specifically interrogates how the continent can navigate these contemporary problems. 

African Renaissance is an academic forum where the results of well-researched studies are shared as recommendations for policy that African leaders, governments, and other state or non-state actors may choose to implement. The multidisciplinary articles in this issue of African Renaissance address issues facing Africa and potential paths toward peaceful resolution. Xenophobic conflicts, poor governance, insufficient service delivery, election management, oil politics and governance, political leadership, military interventions, the creation of ethnic identities, and inadequate infrastructure are a few examples of African issues that were discussed as impeding the continent's ability to achieve development. These studies typically produce rich and solid results. These results should continue to give African leaders the knowledge and insights they need to move their continent in the direction of sustainable development and peace.