Journal of African Transformation 2022

This edition discusses some of Thandika Mkandawire’s major contributions to the study of development. The first article starts by examining his understanding of development, which was at the heart of his scholarship. This is followed by a detailed discussion of his key works under four themes: combating Africa’s maladjustment; developmental States and neopatrimonialism; advancing the development agenda in social policy; and grounding development in democratic processes. In the last three sections, the paper discusses his role as an institution-builder in social science research, focusing on his leadership of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa; and his outsider status in the United Nations during his tenure at the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development. The article then concludes with an overview of his personal relations.