The African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) celebrates the Republic of Mali’s landmark decision to recognise African languages, including Bamanankan, Fulfulde, Songhay, and Tamasheq, as its primary official languages, while designating French as a working language.
This historic decision marks an important step towards achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of promoting cultural identity, heritage, and the empowerment of African citizens.
ACALAN encourages other African Member States to follow Mali’s example by investing in African languages and promoting their use in governance, education, public services, media, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The Academy also calls on governments, media organisations, educational institutions, and technology developers to take practical steps towards strengthening African language inclusion and ensuring that no African language is left behind in the continent’s development.
Read the full press release below.