We are thrilled to announce the fourth edition of the African Languages Conference (AFLC 2025), taking place during African Languages Week from February 21 to 28, 2025! This year’s theme, “Harnessing African Languages for Digital Transformation and Social Justice,” highlights the pivotal role of African languages in shaping equitable futures in technology and society.

We are also proud to share that AFLC 2025 is part of the UNESCO Secretariat for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032 (IDIL 2022-2032), a global initiative aimed at supporting and strengthening Indigenous languages worldwide. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to intercultural dialogue, policy development, and collaborative action to protect and promote linguistic diversity in Africa and beyond.

Since its inception in 2022, AFLC has brought together a vibrant community of language professionals, researchers, and activists, with over 1,500 attendees and 50+ speakers and panelists. Through discussions held in more than a dozen African languages, we’ve tackled key issues surrounding the development, challenges, and opportunities of African languages.

What’s new for AFLC 2025?

For the first time, AFLC 2025 will be a hybrid event, offering both in-person and virtual participation! In partnership with the Department of Linguistics and Communications Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, we’re hosting a one-day in-person event on February 21 in Rivers State, Nigeria, which will also serve as the conference’s opening ceremony. The full event will be live-streamed on Zoom, ensuring global accessibility and inclusivity.

Join us as we celebrate African languages and their indispensable role in driving digital transformation and social justice. Together, let’s champion the diversity and vitality of African languages while contributing to the broader goals of IDIL 2022-2032 to strengthen Indigenous languages across the globe.

Call for Proposals

We invite you to submit your proposal to host a session including an individual presentation, panel discussion, workshop or artistic expression. 

Academic paper presentation slots are also available for those who would like to present at the one-day in-person event at the University of Port Harcourt.

Sub-themes:

1. Language and technology: AI, machine learning, and new technologies in African languages
2. Digital inclusion and accessibility of African languages
3. Language rights and social justice
4. African languages in education and digital learning
5. Digital Opportunities for African languages

Deadline to submit your proposal: January 13.

The call for proposals is also available in Sesotho and French!

If you’d like to translate the call for proposals into your language, please send us an email at info@africanlanguagesconf.org.