The African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) is set to host an operational workshop for the establishment of the ACALAN Continental Youth Committee for the Empowerment of African Languages (ACYCEAL) on May 27-28, 2025, at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa. Themed "Empowering African Youth through Language Innovation and Digital Technologies," this workshop aims to harness the potential of youth in shaping Africa's linguistic and technological landscape.
ACALAN, as a specialized institution of the African Union, is dedicated to promoting and developing African languages as vital components for continental integration, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. Recognizing the critical role of youth in this endeavor, ACALAN is convening this workshop to articulate the vision and operational goals of ACYEAL, while fostering engagement and dialogue among young leaders and language technology experts.
The workshop aligns with several key frameworks aimed at enhancing Africa’s cultural identity and values, including Aspiration 5 of the AU Agenda 2063, the Language Plan of Action for Africa (LPAA), and the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance. It is expected to serve as a platform for mobilizing youth engagement, fostering technological innovation in language, and creating sustainable strategies for linguistic empowerment.
Participants can look forward to a dynamic agenda featuring expert presentations and panel discussions. Keynote speeches will be delivered by prominent figures from ACALAN, the African Union, and leading experts in language technology. Additionally, case studies will highlight successful language revitalization and digital localization projects, offering valuable insights into effective practices.
The workshop will include interactive working groups and strategy sessions where attendees will collaborate to draft ACYEAL’s operational framework along with specific objectives and an action plan. There will also be brainstorming sessions focused on technological solutions, such as AI language models and mobile applications tailored for African languages.
Moreover, participants will engage in critical document reviews and policy dialogues, analyzing essential AU language policies, including the LPAA and Assembly Decision 796. A key focus will be the contributions of youth towards promoting Kiswahili as a working language of the African Union and fostering the broader goals outlined in the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032).
Networking opportunities will also be a highlight, featuring matchmaking sessions designed to connect youth, developers, and investors in language technology. A showcase of innovative language-related applications, including digital dictionaries and voice recognition tools, will provide a glimpse into the future of African languages in the digital era.
Among those attending is Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, Managing Director of CEOAFRICA, a leading online media organization and advocate for the promotion of African languages in cyberspace. As a member of the African Languages Week Coordinating Committee (ALWCC), he is passionate about leveraging technology to elevate the profile of African languages and engage youth in this vital cultural movement.
This workshop promises to be a landmark event in the ongoing efforts to empower Africa's youth and preserve its diverse linguistic heritage through innovation and collaboration.
For more information about the workshop and participation details, please visit the ACALAN website or contact the event organizers directly.
