Seminar on Ethical Economies in Cape Town, Mumbai, and Accra
On Friday, August 15th, 2025, the Institute of African Studies (IAS) at the University of Ghana, in collaboration with Leiden University and Stellenbosch University, hosted a seminal seminar on "Ethical Economies: Market Practices, Consumption and Regulation." The event brought together academics, researchers, and students to explore how ethical principles shape economic life in three dynamic Global South cities: Cape Town, Mumbai, and Accra.
The seminar featured seven speakers who presented rich ethnographic research. Dr. Rashida Alhassan Adum-Atta (Leiden University) opened discussions by examining how festive food exchanges in Madina, Accra, foster inter-religious mutuality. From Stellenbosch University, Kezra Bradshaw presented on the ethics of multispecies care for street dogs in Cairo, while Nicola Van Der Westhuizen analyzed financialization as a form of racialized knowledge perpetuating land inequality in post-apartheid South Africa. Dr. Shaheed Tayob, also from Stellenbosch, discussed the complex social and ritual dimensions of the halal meat trade in Mumbai.
Kauthar Khamis (Leiden University) explored the religious and aesthetic significance of dreadlocks among Muslim women in Madina Zongo, challenging past stigmas. Eli Kuto (University of Ghana) provided a historical perspective, examining centuries-old social strategies to mitigate food insecurity in Northeastern Ghana. Professor Samuel Ntewusu (University of Ghana) concluded the presentations by synthesizing the key insights.
A central observation was that urban markets in these cities are vital sites of livelihood, sustenance, and trade, where everyday practices like food exchange and care work sustain communities under conditions of uncertainty. Despite their different socio-economic contexts, Cape Town, Mumbai, and Accra face common challenges, including weak regulatory enforcement, consumer exploitation, and rising inequality.
The seminar concluded that ethical economies are a practical necessity for sustainable development, not merely a theoretical concept. It underscored the need for collaborative efforts where governments, private businesses, and civil society each play a crucial role in shaping fairer market practices, responsible consumer behavior, and more robust regulatory frameworks. The event successfully fostered a valuable dialogue, highlighting the interconnectedness of ethical economies across diverse urban landscapes.