The IFLA Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Division hosted a successful preconference workshop under the theme “Advocacy & Networking for a Sustainable LIS Profession.” The session was strategically aligned with the overall conference theme, “Open Knowledge: Present, Future, and African Realities” and was held at the University of Namibia (UNAM) Library Video Conference Room.

SSA Workshop 2The workshop took place in the context of the 6th African Library Institutions and Associations (AfLIA) Conference and 8th African Library Summit on 18–22 May 2025 at Mercure Hotel, Windhoek, Namibia.

Workshop Objectives

The session aimed to:

  1. Motivate professional voluntarism as a strategy for sustainable service delivery.
  2. Strengthen  the long-term sustainability of the LIS profession in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  3. Facilitate professional collaboration across the region.
  4. Build capacity, share knowledge about IFLA’s initiatives, and amplify the voice of libraries.

Foster collaboration with regional library organizations and advocate more effectively with entities such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the African Union. IFLA – SSA RD committee members Co-Charing the workshop

Participation and Support

The workshop attracted 62 in-person participants and enabled virtual access for more than 56 remote participants. Attendees represented a wide geographic and institutional diversity, including:

Countries: Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Institutions: Public, academic, ministerial, and special research libraries.

Workshop participants

Notably, over 20 students from the UNAM Department of Information Science attended in person, accompanied by their respective lecturers who also actively contributed to the workshop’s discussions. This blend of early-career professionals, experienced practitioners, and educators illustrated the profession’s commitment to mentorship and intergenerational dialogue.

 Stakeholder Collaboration

  • The University of Namibia played a pivotal role by providing both the physical venue and technical support for hybrid participation.
  • AfLIA integrated the workshop into the official conference program, affirming the importance of unified efforts across LIS on the continent, and demonstrating strong stakeholder collaboration and regional partnership.
  • Ministry of Education  & the University of Namibia generously provided refreshments for in-person attendees.

Key Highlights

The workshop welcomed a diverse mix of attendees contributed to a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences, with the presence of both seasoned professionals and students enriched the dialogue around sustainable library practices.

In particular, discussions emphasized the value of regional cooperation, policy engagement, and strategic visibility for LIS professionals in Africa. Overall, the session reinforced the role of IFLA SSA RDC in championing advocacy, professional development, and network building. Some of the in person participants continued networking and creating photo memories after the workshop

SSA Workshop 1
Participants at the workshop

This preconference workshop stands as a compelling demonstration of what can be achieved through collaborative leadership, shared vision, and a commitment to professional growth. It represents a meaningful step forward in building a sustainable and connected LIS profession across the Sub-Saharan African region.