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Amadou Hampâté Bâ Foundation Advances Efforts to Digitize and Preserve its Collections

Building on the success of earlier training workshops organized as part of a project funded by the National Archives of the Republic of Korea, the Amadou Hampâté Bâ Foundation, under the leadership of Mrs Roukiatou Bâ, continues to make remarkable progress in collaboration with UNESCO to preserve its rich collection of manuscripts and other documentary heritage.
Fondation Amadou Hampâté Ba

The foundation has recently digitized over 700 new manuscripts, bringing the total number of digitized manuscripts to approximately 4000. Each manuscript is meticulously catalogued using an open-source integrated library system, with metadata detailing the manuscripts’ author, title, and condition. 

While steady progress has been made in the digitalization of French and Arabic manuscripts, the classification and translation of Pulaar manuscripts remain a challenge.

To further protect the physical integrity of its growing collection, the foundation has also significantly upgraded its preservation conditions. New air conditioning units, dehumidifiers, and specialized shelving have been installed to create a stable archival environment. Additionally, new computer equipment has been acquired strengthen archivists' capacity to digitize the collection more effectively.

In parallel, the foundation is developing an online platform to grant researchers, institutions, and the public access to its collection.  created in October 2024 showcased this initiative at an international conference organized in Paris by the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme, underscoring a growing awareness of the potential global significance of the foundation’s collection.

With this momentum, the foundation has begun taking steps towards possible inscription of its collection in the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register. As part of these efforts, it participated in a capacity-building workshop held in Ghana in August 2024, aimed at equipping prospective nominators with the expertise needed to prepare effective nomination dossier for the international register. 

Looking ahead, the foundation will prioritize further digitization and classification of manuscripts, improving accessibility of its collection through the online platform, and finalizing its nomination dossier. It is hoped that these efforts will not only secure the legacy of Amadou Hampâté Bâ as an African icon but also amplify the global dissemination of his work, serving as a valuable resource for understanding the diverse histories and cultural development of the African continent. 

Fondation Amadou Hampâté Ba
Fondation Amadou Hampâté Ba
Fondation Amadou Hampâté Ba
Fondation Amadou Hampâté Ba