Wiki Indaba 2024, United in diversity!

An annual international gathering of Wikimedians from Africa and the diaspora, Wiki Indaba aims to bring together contributors and supporters of Wikimedia projects on the continent to promote free knowledge and the sharing of African content on these platforms. 

The 10th edition of Wiki Indaba themed “!ke e: /xarra //ke,” which means “United in diversity,” will be held from October 4th to 6th, 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the second time. In June 2014, Wikimedia ZA organized the conference for the very first time, and will also host this edition; which will also be a celebration of the 10 years of Wiki Indaba since its inception.

In October 2023, in Agadir (Morocco), at the 9th edition of Wiki Indaba Wiki Indaba 2023, Wikimedia South Africa received the torch for the organization of this year’s conference. From this point on, planning for Wiki Indaba in Johannesburg began, integrating various aspects to ensure the event’s success.

Planning

In December 2023, a pre-survey was launched to gather opinions and suggestions from African Wikimedians. The aim was to ensure that the convention responded to their interests, experiences and expectations. The survey gave them the opportunity to express their perspectives, preferences and aspirations of what they wanted the 2024 conference to address.

Designed to cover a wide range of topics, the responses collected helped to shape the conference program, tailor discussions to the most relevant issues, and create an environment conducive to maximizing engagement and experiences that best meets the needs of the African Communities.

Resources

The financial resources for Wiki Indaba in Johannesburg are the result of a collaborative effort involving various contributors and organizations, with the Wikimedia Foundation at the forefront. The organizing team benefits from the support of local and international volunteers.

Scholarship selection

Since July 21, 2024, the results of the scholarship applications were sent to each successful applicant. Subsequently, all the documents required to apply for a visa were provided to those needing one for their trip. 

The selection of participants for Wiki Indaba 2024 in Johannesburg was based on their experience and significant contributions to the African Wikimedia community. The scholarship committee took into account various criteria, such as history of contributions on Wikimedia platforms, frequency and quality of content added, as well as involvement in community initiatives. This approach enabled the team to select contributors who have demonstrated commitment and real investment in enriching online knowledge. Experience, both in writing content and in collaborating with other members of the community, was also a key factor. The committee ensured a diverse cohort, including seasoned and less experienced contributors, to encourage diverse exchanges and mentoring within the community. By emphasizing experience and contribution, Wiki Indaba 2024 reinforces its commitment to the continuous improvement and development of the African Wikimedia community.

Inclusive initiatives

Internally, the core organizing team (COT) is actively working to make the event more inclusive. To this end, micro-financing will be made available to communities to enable those who wish to organize an activity in connection with Wiki Indaba to do so. In addition, the communication team with the creative support of user Queen_Asali, designed a mascot ZA, our smart, sharp and bold South African newbie who will be our Wiki Indaba mascot-in-residence for this year’s Indaba. ZA   embodies the spirit of ubuntu, and will be a great resource for the participants. She will be available 24/7 ready to help you and answer all your questions related to Wiki Indaba 2024. Be sure to have great conversations with her.

Program Preparation

The 2024 Wiki Indaba program is now live on Meta. During the call for submissions, a call for papers was launched, and the programs team took time to keenly review each submission to ensure that they met the needs of the participants. The conference will be packed with a diverse range of program formats including panels, feedback, conferences, lightning talks, training courses and workshops, among other activities. 

The speakers are well-prepared to deliver enriching and engaging discussions designed to enhance skills, share knowledge, and foster innovation on topics such as African languages on Wikipedia and capacity building for local communities. Wiki Indaba 2024 will be a hybrid event that will provide networking opportunities, allowing participants (both in-person and online) to connect with peers, experts, and community leaders during dedicated networking sessions that are tailored to drive the Afrika Agenda and contribution to the Wikimedia movement.