Strengthening the African Framework within Wikimedia Communities: AWA Quarterly Conferences Recap

In the September and October 2024 sessions, the African Wikipedian Alliance (AWA) brought together Anglophone and Francophone Wikimedia communities for their quarterly conferences under the theme: “Strengthening the African Framework within Wikimedia Communities”. Through these discussions, AWA sought to cultivate a united, resilient African presence on Wikimedia platforms, facilitating collaboration, resource-sharing, and content creation that authentically represents African narratives. The conferences held virtually on September 25 for Anglophone participants and October 10 for Francophone participants, featured distinguished speakers from across Africa. Their discussions underscored the need for unified actions, sustainable growth strategies, and intentional content curation that elevate African voices in the Wikimedia ecosystem.

Engagement and Participation Across the Continent

The Anglophone conference on September 25, moderated by Airat Abdul Rahmon (Broadcast Journalist, Voice Of Nigeria) featured Lucy Iwuala (Communications Coordinator, Wiki Loves Monuments International Team) and Muib Shefiu (Founder, Afrodemics). It was attended by 26 participants from Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania, who explored actionable ways to bolster African representation through structured collaborations and resource-sharing.

The Francophone session on October 10 welcomed 14 participants from Madagascar, Mali, Burundi, and Cameroon, led by moderators Bukola James and Dalila Yaro. Notable speakers included Nkolo Ntyam Ernest Jean Blondel (Black Speculative Art Movement, Wikimedia Cameroun) and Jean De Dieu Nahimana (Radio Indundi Culture, Burundi). They delved into the unique challenges and opportunities for Francophone African communities in the Wikimedia landscape.

Both sessions focused on the significance of an empowered, interconnected African Wikimedia community. They examined how establishing sustainable practices, creating supportive networks, and fostering diversity and inclusivity within Wikimedia could ensure more robust African representation and greater global visibility.

Key Highlights from the Conference Sessions

The core discussions addressed strategies for building a supportive African Wikimedia framework, including:

1. Collaborative impact and collective growth: Speakers highlighted the necessity for African Wikimedia communities to work cohesively across regional and linguistic divides. Lucy and Nkolo advocated for creating shared goals and platforms that facilitate regular communication, helping African communities learn from each other’s successes and setbacks. This collaborative ethos can amplify African contributions on a global scale, ensuring that African stories are represented from diverse perspectives.
2. Resource sharing as a pillar of community resilience: The importance of accessible resources and skill development emerged as a central theme. Lucy illustrated how initiatives like Wiki Loves Monuments foster unity by encouraging joint projects and mentorship programs that strengthen community skills. Muib and Jean emphasised that resources should be localised and tailored to the African context to ensure their efficacy and relevance, enhancing contributors’ ability to engage with Wikimedia projects.
3. Expanding and improving African content: Content creation and quality control were recognized as essential for addressing existing knowledge gaps about African cultures, histories, and experiences on Wikimedia. Lucy and Nkolo encouraged participants to prioritise accurate, culturally sensitive representations, emphasising the role of local communities in curating authentic content that showcases African perspectives.
4. Sustaining engagement and building capacity: Retention efforts and sustainable engagement practices were identified as vital for the long-term health of African Wikimedia communities. Speakers proposed implementing mentorship programs, holding regular feedback sessions, and offering technical support to sustain the interest and growth of new contributors. Attendees highlighted the need to create accessible, beginner-friendly resources that cater to the specific needs of African contributors, especially new users.
5. Promoting inclusivity and diverse representation: Muib and Nkolo underscored the importance of inclusive environments where contributors feel welcomed and valued. Emphasising mentorship and retention, they argued that such an approach not only enriches the content pool but also strengthens community ties. By creating a space where newcomers can grow alongside experienced editors, African Wikimedia communities can nurture contributors who are invested in sustaining African narratives on Wikimedia platforms.

Recommendations for Strengthening African Wikimedia Communities

In light of these discussions, conference participants proposed several recommendations to drive forward the African Wikimedia agenda:

• Establish regular cross-regional projects: Initiating joint projects across Anglophone and Francophone communities can promote knowledge exchange and encourage unified action in achieving shared goals.
• Create a centralised resource hub: Developing a repository for toolkits, training materials, and templates would support editors in accessing the resources they need for effective contributions.
• Focus on contributor retention and support: Implementing mentorship programs and providing continuous support can sustain engagement and help retain new editors.
• Enhance capacity for content creation: Supporting editors in documenting African narratives through partnerships with local institutions and curating African archives will enrich Wikimedia content.
• Seek sustainable funding sources: Engaging with donors for project-based funding can provide the resources needed to ensure continuity and growth within African Wikimedia communities.

Personal Insights and Final Reflections

These quarterly conferences highlighted the passion and potential within African Wikimedia communities. Through shared learning and a commitment to collaborative growth, participants demonstrated their dedication to enhancing the presence and visibility of African stories and perspectives on Wikimedia platforms. Both Anglophone and Francophone sessions underscored the importance of unity, inclusivity, and sustainable practices in building a resilient African framework within the Wikimedia ecosystem.

As these discussions continue to inspire new initiatives, the African Wikipedian Alliance remains dedicated to fostering an interconnected community that values each contributor’s voice. These conferences serve as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, proving that with shared purpose and a united vision, African Wikimedia communities can drive meaningful change and secure a lasting, influential presence in the global Wikimedia movement.

For those interested in revisiting the session or those who might have missed it, the recorded version is available on the community programmes page. Ensure you are registered for the upcoming CfA WiR Bi-weekly webinar and immerse in our vibrant community. To stay abreast of our initiatives, complete this form, and let’s shape the future together!