Knowledge creation and dissemination in Africa was the topic of the first virtual symposium held by Alafarika for Studies and Consultancy on August 26 and 27, 2022. Researchers from Morocco, Nigeria, Mali, Mauritania, Egypt, and the Central African Republic participated in the event, which placed a high value on knowledge and considered it to be a fundamental and foundational building block for achieving development and progress in Africa.

The two-day symposium titled “Knowledge Creation and Dissemination in Africa” covered topics such as using knowledge to influence African policy and politics; managing knowledge for development; the function of the media in building knowledge societies; the difficulties facing academic publication; and potential solutions to those difficulties. In addition, it discussed how revolutions and movements for change can be guided by knowledge that offers solutions to the state-building and development that the continent needs in the twenty-first century and the digital age, as well as the potential for investigative and data journalism to promote the prosperity of Africa. These topics were also touched upon in the context of Africa, as well as the relationship between philosophy and human development.

The speakers stressed that civilizations and advanced societies throughout history have depended on knowledge and actors in the dissemination of human sciences. Despite the lack of interest of some current African governments in knowledge, its means and tools for its dissemination, the history of Africa confirms that Africa has rich experience in this regard. What is required today is to study these historical achievements and support the creativity of young people, which may limit the brain drain in many African countries.

According to the researchers, knowledge management is an essential part of any government or political system’s success by emphasizing the knowledge capabilities of individuals, universities, and research institutions that facilitate access to knowledge. Knowledge management is a necessary process to achieve development because it relates to many sensitive areas and is an essential means of successful management. The strength of tomorrow’s world will be determined by the interest in human capital and the exploitation of the energies and capabilities of the African population. There is a need to move from theories to real-life applications so as to meet the challenges of the continent and the rapid transformations in all fields.

The role of the African media should not be limited to highlighting developments and experiences in African countries, their civilizations and history, or just publicizing their tourism sectors. The relationship between the media and the dissemination of knowledge is a mutual influence that can be observed in concepts related to human values, the crucible of communication and understanding. The process of creating and influencing knowledge societies requires giving importance to addressing the challenges facing academic publishing in Africa. The noticeable lack of publishing and distribution centers for works, academic books, and scientific journals within Africa is one indicator. Educational curricula and teaching methods in several African countries are rooted in the colonial era.

African philosophy can help us understand the problems facing the creation of knowledge and that it can enhance the patterns of knowledge production that the continent needs. Studying African history and philosophy may determine the African position towards modern science and contemporary issues. Knowledge based on African philosophical foundations may transform African societies into freer societies and provide answers to the most important factors contributing to political, social, and economic inequality. The role of data journalism in promoting African prosperity was also discussed, as was how it can contribute to achieving good governance and reveal corporate and institutional corruption and social injustice. Data can be used to confirm or deny a specific phenomenon or issue, as well as to investigate its direction and forecast its future trend.

A pan-African research and consultancy firm, Alafarika for Studies and Consultancy, conducts training in the domains of research, academia, management, and administration in addition to publishing reports, publications, and studies. Through its digital platforms, it offers training materials, publications, research papers, and articles about Africa in a variety of sectors, such as politics, economics, social development, education, media, and leadership.