Strengthening African Audiovisual Archives: Embracing Intracontinental Linkages

This essay explores the often-overlooked realm of intracontinental collaboration among audiovisual archives in Africa, contrasting it with the more discussed partnerships with financially affluent counterparts in the Global North. Drawing from personal experiences, including an invitation from Malawi to train mid-level managers, the speakers reflect on the potential for enriching such collaborations. With insights from engagements across various African countries and involvement in initiatives with UNESCO, ICCROM, IASA and others, practical challenges such as language barriers and lack of resources are addressed. Ultimately, the presentation delves into the broader theoretical question of whether African archives are evolving into a Pan-African meta-archive through digital interconnectedness, supplementing their traditional roles in cultural preservation with a connective force for the continent.