African-Wikimedians February 2026

african-wikimedians@lists.wikimedia.org

30 participants
43 discussions

African Wikipedian Alliance (AWA) -February 2026 Meetups / Rencontres de février 2026
by Bukola James 04 Mar '26

04 Mar '26

*Détails de la session francophone ci-dessous* Hi everyone! AWA is kicking off two exciting meetups for Anglophone and Francophone communities next month, February. See the details below: *Anglophone Meetup* *Topic:* AI + Wikipedia, the Good, the Bad, and Best Practices *Trainer:* Muib Shefiu, Founder of Afrodemics *Date & Time:* Tuesday, 3 February at 1:00 PM UTC Join us for an engaging session where Muib will guide participants on how AI can support Wikipedia editing, how to identify the risks of AI-generated content, and how to safely use AI to assist article creation. *Fun fact about the trainer:* He does his best editing when the world is asleep and has a rare talent for turning almost everything he does into a teachable moment. 😃 *Register to receive a calendar invite:* https://forms.gle/pCdK5pPofctYz9mv8 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Salut tout le monde ! L’AWA lance deux rencontres passionnantes pour les communautés anglophones et francophones le mois prochain, en février. Voir les détails ci-dessous : *Rencontre Francophone* *Thème :* Introduction à la patrouille sur Wikipédia *Formateur :* Konan N’Da N’Dri, Nouveau de l’annee 2025 *Date & Heure :* Mercredi, 4 février à 15h00 UTC Rejoignez-nous pour découvrir comment assurer la qualité et la fiabilité des articles Wikipédia, identifier les modifications problématiques et utiliser efficacement les outils de patrouille. *Fun fact sur le formateur :* Konan a une passion pour l’astrophysique, ce qui illustre que la curiosité peut prendre de nombreuses formes. Il contribue aux projets Wikimedia depuis 2023 ; il aime particulièrement travailler sur les langues et parle français. 😃 *Inscrivez-vous pour recevoir l’invitation au calendrier :* https://forms.gle/UdC8WLnQegTqYNjx8 #WikiCheers Bukola James <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Bukky658> For AWA Team

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Proposal for African Wikimedians Meeting at Wikimania 2026
by Mounir Touzri 28 Feb '26

28 Feb '26

Dear African Wikimedians, I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to know if there is already a plan or proposal to organize a meeting for African Wikimedians during Wikimania 2026. If such a meeting has not yet been proposed, I would like to submit a proposal to organize one during the conference. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated so we can coordinate and make the most of this opportunity. Thank you for your time and support. Best regards, Mounir Touzri Amicalement /مع أطيب التحيات/Kind regards

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WikiGap Nigeria 2026 – Give to Gain. Let Us Close the Gap.
by Ayokanmi Oyeyemi 28 Feb '26

28 Feb '26

Dear Wikimedians, Following the success of our WikiGap Nigeria 2025 campaign, which brought together editors across languages, featured notable Nigerian women in high-level conversations, and significantly improved the representation of Nigerian women online, we are excited to build on that momentum in 2026. Read highlights from the 2025 campaign on Diff here <https://diff.wikimedia.org/2025/06/04/bridging-the-gender-gap-celebrating-t…> . In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, the Wikimedia User Group Nigeria proudly announces WikiGap Nigeria 2026, our annual flagship initiative dedicated to amplifying the visibility of Nigerian women across Wikimedia platforms. Since 2018, we have organised WikiGap Nigeria in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Abuja <https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/nigeria-abuja/> and other women-focused organisations. The 2026 edition aligns with the IWD theme: “Give to Gain.” There are several pathways to participate: 1. Contribute to the March Wikipedia Campaign (1–31 March 2026). - Create or improve articles about notable Nigerian women - Contribute in Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, English or other language Wikipedia. - Outstanding contributors will be recognised and rewarded Register and find the Meta page here <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiGap_Nigeria_Online_Challenge/2026>. 2. Capacity Development Initiative 1. Attend the Capacity-Building Training (8 April 2026 - Abuja). In collaboration with Girls Voices Initiative <https://girls-voices.org/> (Host Partner – Abuja) and African Wiki Women <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Africa_Wiki_Women/en> (Content-Facilitating Partner): Participants will gain practical editing skills and confidence to contribute effectively. Know a woman in Abuja? Encourage her to register here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_9e8ZARQ4BLq64gayfVyxOnEvG75pzlb…> . 2. Engage in a 3-Month Mentorship Programme. The trained women participants will receive continued guidance, editorial support, and peer learning to ensure sustained impact and long-term engagement coordinated by African Wiki Women. 3. Share Your Story on WFM 91.7 FM. Selected women will feature live on Women FM 91.7 <https://wfm917.com/>, Nigeria’s only female-focused radio station, reflecting on the IWD 2026 theme, “Give to Gain.” Do you know any women? Let them fill out the form to have them nominated here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOU307YwOyvW5TBiqvCyZp7dCyLIrx3_r…> . This will also be followed by a capacity-building training session for WFM 91.7 staff and guests at the station's Lagos studio. 4. Attend the High-Level Symposium (9 April 2026). Hosted at the residence of the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, this special gathering will feature: - A panel of notable Nigerian women will reflect their perspectives on the theme of IWD 2026. - Recognition of outstanding contributors from the WikiGap contest. - Presentation of WikiGap Nigeria’s impact journey since 2018. Register here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUpYqMDerU6Jhy7CRczOD1xgUd-iTZMpP…> to attend. Give to gain. Document her story. Close the gap. We warmly invite individuals, affiliates, user groups, and partners across Africa and the global Wikimedia movement to collaborate and amplify this campaign. Together, we can transform visibility into equity. Best regards, Ayokanmi Oyeyemi, Programs Director Wikimedia Usergroup Nigeria

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[EN|FR] Wiki Loves Africa 2026 - Communications materials | Wiki Loves Africa 2026 - Matériel de communication
by Hilary Ogali 27 Feb '26

27 Feb '26

Hello Wikimedians, As we prepare for the official start of the 2026 Wiki Loves Africa campaign, we would like to share important communication materials to support your local promotion efforts. Please find the links to the: - The 2026 Communications page on Meta: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026/Communication/2026_t… - The 2026 Commons communications category: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026_Communic… - The canva link page: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026/Communication/2026_t… We encourage you to begin to use these materials your social media platforms, mailing lists, community pages, and partner networks. Warm regards, Hilary Ogali =============================================================================================================================================================== Bonjour à tous les contributeurs de Wikimedia, Alors que nous nous préparons au lancement officiel de la campagne Wiki Loves Africa 2026, nous souhaitons partager avec vous des outils de communication importants pour appuyer vos efforts de promotion locale. Vous trouverez ci-dessous les liens vers : - La page « Communications 2026 » sur Meta : https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026/Communication/2026_t… - La catégorie « Communications 2026 » sur Commons : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026_Communic… - La page de liens Canva : https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026/Communication/2026_t… Nous vous encourageons à utiliser ces ressources sur vos réseaux sociaux, listes de diffusion, pages communautaires et réseaux partenaires. Cordialement, Hilary Ogali

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[Invitation] Shine Her Light 2026: Help us bridge the gender gap in African content!
by Jael Boateng 27 Feb '26

27 Feb '26

Dear African Wikimedians, In celebration of International Women’s Day, Open Foundation West Africa (OFWA) is thrilled to announce the third edition of the Shine Her Light Writing Campaign, running from 4th March to 1st April 2026 under the theme "African women in governance." This year is particularly special as it coincides with the 10th Anniversary of Open Foundation West Africa. For a decade, we have worked to empower communities and bridge the knowledge gap, and this edition of Shine Her Light is a testament to our continued commitment to gender equity in open knowledge. The Challenge: Despite their immense contributions to politics, science, leadership, and culture, African women remain significantly underrepresented on Wikipedia and its sister projects. Shine Her Light is our collective effort to change that narrative. How You Can Participate: - Write and Improve: Join our writing contest to create new biographies or improve existing articles about notable African women. - Join the Launch: Be part of our official kickoff event where we will outline the campaign goals and how to get involved on 4th March at 2:00 PM UTC. You will receive the Zoom link automatically after registering on Meta <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Shine_Her_Light_Writing_Campaign_2026…> . - Participate in the Anniversary Special: At the end of March, we will host an "All-Female Brunch & Mentorship Session" in Accra, Ghana—a unique space for connection and learning as we wrap up the campaign and celebrate a decade of OFWA. Campaign Details: - Duration: 4th March – 1st April 2026 - Find all relevant information on the campaign’s meta page <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Shine_Her_Light_Writing_Campaign_2026…> - Focus: African women leaders in politics and advocacy, activists, professionals, and heads of institutions. Don’t worry if you do not know where to start; we have curated an article list <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Shine_Her_Light_Campaign_2026/Article…> to help you out. We invite individuals, user groups, and chapters across the movement to join us. Whether you are a veteran editor or a newcomer, your contribution helps ensure that African women’s voices are visible and permanently recorded for future generations. Let’s work together to shine a light on the stories that matter. Best regards, -- Jael Serwaa Boateng Executive Director Open Foundation West Africa

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Re: Launch: Dagbanli Dictionary (Beta) -- Feedback and contributors needed
by Samuel Khabanyane 27 Feb '26

27 Feb '26

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2 Days Left: Submit Your Wikimania 2026 Proposal
by Afek BEN CHAHED 27 Feb '26

27 Feb '26

*English:* Dear all, This is a kind reminder that the deadline to submit program proposals <https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/2026:Program> for Wikimania 2026 <https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/2026:Wikimania> is March 1st (worldwide). Please ensure that your proposals are submitted *before the deadline*. Kindly note that meetups and lunches must be submitted in the same way as any other program proposal. Meetup submissions are mandatory this year, so if you are planning to organize one, please make sure to complete the submission process. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your proposals! Best, Afek ---------- *French:* Bonjour à tou•te•s ! Nous vous rappelons que la date limite pour soumettre vos propositions de programme <https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/2026:Program#> pour Wikimania 2026 <https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/2026:Wikimania> est fixée au 1er mars (dans le monde entier). Veuillez vous assurer que vos propositions sont soumises avant la date limite. *Veuillez noter que les rencontres et les déjeuners doivent être soumis de la même manière que toute autre proposition de programme.* Les soumissions de rencontres sont obligatoires cette année, donc si vous prévoyez d'en organiser une, veuillez vous assurer de suivre le processus de soumission. Si vous avez des questions ou besoin d'aide, n'hésitez pas à nous contacter. Nous attendons vos propositions avec impatience ! Bien à vous, Afek

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EduWiki Newsletter: Submissions Close in 3 Days
by Barakat Adegboye 26 Feb '26

26 Feb '26

Dear African Wikimedians, We have entered the final week for submissions to the February 2026 edition of the EduWiki Newsletter. The submission deadline is in *3 days, on 26 February 2026*. If you have been planning to share your Wikimedia and education projects, events, research, reflections, or community experiences, this is the moment to do so. Each contribution helps document our collective efforts and strengthens learning across our global community. Submissions are welcome in *any language* and may include images, videos, or audio. Please submit your story via the *Education Newsroom <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Education/News/Newsroom>* before 26 February 2026. We look forward to receiving your work. Barakat Adegboye <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:BAdegboye_(EdWH)>, *Communications Assistant,* *EduWiki Hub <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_%26_Education_User_Group/EduWiki_…>*

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[EN|FR] Invitation to Wiki Loves Africa 2026 Launch - Rites and Rituals | Invitation au lancement de Wiki Loves Africa 2026 - Rites and Rituels
by Hilary Ogali 26 Feb '26

26 Feb '26

Dear Wikimedians, We are pleased to officially announce the launch event of Wiki Loves Africa 2026 <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026>, the annual pan-African photography contest that invites participants across the continent to contribute freely licensed images to Wikimedia Commons for use on Wikipedia and beyond which will be starting on the 1st of March. The 2026 theme is: Rites and Rituals <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026/Theme> This year, we invite communities across Africa to document the ceremonies, traditions, spiritual practices, and cultural rituals that shape identity and mark significant moments in life. From initiation rites to marriage ceremonies, festivals, healing practices, and everyday traditions — these visual stories matter. We warmly invite you to join the official online launch event: Date: 5 March 2026 Time: 16:00 UTC Registration link: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026_Contest_Launch During the launch, we will: - Launch message from special guest - Stories and experience sharing - WLA impacts and stats - Icebreaker and quiz session - WLA 2026 launch We look forward to celebrating the beginning of Wiki Loves Africa 2026 with you. Warm regards, Hilary Ogali Wiki Loves Africa Facilitator ====================================================================================== Dear Wikimédiens, Nous avons le plaisir de vous annoncer officiellement le lancement de Wiki Loves Africa 2026 <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026/fr>, le concours photographique panafricain annuel qui invite les participants de tout le continent à contribuer des images sous licence libre à Wikimedia Commons, destinées à être utilisées sur Wikipédia et au-delà, et qui débutera le 1er mars. Le thème de 2026 est : Rites and Rituels <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026/Theme/fr> Cette année, nous invitons les communautés à travers l'Afrique à documenter les cérémonies, les traditions, les pratiques spirituelles et les rituels culturels qui façonnent l'identité et marquent les moments significatifs de la vie. Des rites d'initiation aux cérémonies de mariage, en passant par les festivals, les pratiques de guérison et les traditions quotidiennes — ces histoires visuelles ont de l'importance. Nous vous invitons chaleureusement à rejoindre l'événement de lancement en ligne officiel : Date: 5 mars 2026 Time: 16:00 UTC Lien d’inscription : https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026_Contest_Launch Durant le lancement, nous aurons : - Message de lancement de la part d'un invité spécial - Partage d'histoires et d'expériences - Impacts et statistiques de Wiki Loves Africa - Séance de brise-glace et quiz - Lancement officiel de Wiki Loves Africa 2026 Nous avons hâte de célébrer le début de Wiki Loves Africa 2026 avec vous. Cordialement, Hilary Ogali Facilitateur de Wiki Loves Africa

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Next Episode of WikiAfrica Hour "Presenting the truth: How Wikipedia fights misinformation and disinformation" JOIN US!
by Donia ElDomiaty 24 Feb '26

24 Feb '26

Dear Wikimedians, We hope this email finds you well. We invite you to join the next episode of WikiAfrica Hour "Presenting the truth: How Wikipedia fights misinformation and disinformation” We are very excited to discuss this topic with the episode guests and your joining is very valuable. What can you expect from the episode? In an era of misinformation, disinformation, and growing distrust in digital platforms, how does Wikipedia continue to stand as one of the most trusted sources of knowledge online? In this episode of WikiAfrica Hour, we explore how Wikipedia fights false and misleading information through community-driven governance, transparent policies, and collective responsibility. Our conversation dives into real challenges such as edit conflicts, bias, and representation, while also reflecting on the role of local languages, artificial intelligence, and media literacy in shaping the future of trustworthy knowledge. As a closing episode, this discussion highlights not only how Wikipedia protects the truth—but why open, collaborative knowledge remains more important than ever. Join us for a critical conversation about trust, truth, and the power of open knowledge. Who are the guest speakers? - Bassem Marwan Fleifel <https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%AF%D9%85:%D8%A8%D…>: Researcher specializing in Ottoman history. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law, followed by a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Modern and Contemporary History from Beirut Arab University. He published five academic papers, as well as five books, and a number of journalistic articles. He has been an editor on Arabic Wikipedia since September 2007 and has served as an administrator since 2010. He currently holds the record for the highest number of edits on Arabic Wikipedia. - Adélaïde Calais <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Ad%C3%A9la%C3%AFde_Calais_WMFr>: Project manager for Francophonie and diversity, for Wikimedia France. - Martins Ayotunde: a fact-checker and investigative journalist with over 7 years experience. He currently works with the Academy team at Code for Africa where he designs and delivers training programs on mis/disinformation, open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigations, data journalism, and AI deployment in newsrooms. He has conducted trainings for Wikimedians across Africa notable among which is a training on electoral integrity for Wikipedia editors in Ghana and a presentation/panel session with WMF at the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum, Zambia. Hosting them, Michel Bakni <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Michel_Bakni>. He holds a Ph.D in Electronics. He is a lecturer in ESTIA Institute of Technology in France. He is a long-time Wikipedian with 10 years of contribution. His +120k edits in the Arabic Wikipedia focus on Feature contents. Michel is also a graphics maker with more than +3k images uploaded to Commons. When and where will the episode take place? Data: Wednesday 25th February Time: 16:00 UTC Join us LIVE on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b0d12UpHoo You can also register in the event tool https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:WAH_Episode_55_-_Presenting_the_truth… Looking forward to seeing you! -- *Donia* WikiAfrica Hour Production Coordinator & Wiki In Africa Tools Community Facilitator

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African-Wikimedians February 2026