On Wednesday, May 28, 2025 which is the second day of the operational workshop, themed "Empowering African Youth through Language Innovation and Digital Technologies," organized by the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) at the African Union Commission Headquarters, Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia focused on engaging African youth in language innovation and digital technologies. Following the successful launch of the ACALAN Continental Youth Committee for the Empowerment of African Languages (ACYCEAL), participants gathered to delve into strategic discussions aimed at leveraging technology for the promotion and preservation of African languages.
The day began with a keynote address from a distinguished speaker who emphasized the importance of youth in driving change within their communities. The speaker noted that technology and innovation represent the future of African languages, urging the attendees to seize opportunities that can foster linguistic empowerment through digital platforms.
A key aspect of the workshop involved discussions around the primary goal of ACYCEAL: to raise awareness among African youth about career opportunities related to African languages and digital technologies. Participants aimed to bolster collaboration between young professionals in technology fields and language scholars to develop innovative tools for language learning and application, particularly in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Machine Translation.
Participants engaged in vibrant debates about the pressing challenges facing language development across the continent. One member remarked, "Innovation cannot come about if we don't do research. Let's go back to the root of the problems and solve them bit by bit, starting with what confronts us most in the development of our languages."
Another participant echoed similar sentiments, advocating for the establishment of a comprehensive database for developers and linguists. “We should begin with what is possible—for example, designing solutions for those who cannot read, rather than postponing solutions for their disabilities,” they stated.
Dr. Lang Fafa Dampha, Executive Secretary of ACALAN, participated actively in the discussions, underscoring the need for inclusivity within the program. "We are the African Union. ACALAN is an African Union institution; they cannot be separated. All we have been saying is one Africa, which indicates inclusiveness," he highlighted. He also addressed the importance of considering individuals with disabilities in language initiatives, stating that programs must prioritize their involvement to ensure their voices are heard.
The workshop also concentrated on forging policy partnerships and enhancing engagement with governmental bodies. It aimed to disseminate policies aligned with ACALAN's vision for youth cohesion, empowerment, and entrepreneurship. Participants explored potential collaborations with NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, and regional bodies like ECOWAS and UNESCO to address youth and language issues comprehensively.
As discussions progressed, attendees expressed their enthusiasm for integrating social media platforms, such as TikTok, into language advocacy efforts, suggesting the involvement of popular artists to connect with younger audiences in innovative ways.
The day concluded with a shared commitment among ACYCEAL members to foster a collaborative environment that encourages research, capacity-building, and addressing the needs of diverse language communities. The outcomes of this workshop's discussions set the stage for impactful changes in how African languages are perceived and utilized in the modern world, further underscoring the vital role that youth will play in shaping the continent’s linguistic and cultural future.
