Africa’s Literacy and Reading Promotion Conferences
Africa’s Literacy and Reading Promotion Conferences: A 2025 Overview
In 2025, Africa is set to host a series of pivotal conferences dedicated to advancing literacy and reading promotion across the continent. These gatherings will bring together educators, researchers, policymakers, and advocates to address challenges, share innovative practices, and chart the future of literacy in Africa.
Literacy Association of South Africa (LITASA) Conference
Scheduled from October 10 to 12, 2025, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, the 20th Annual LITASA Conference, themed “Amazwi Ethu – Our Voices,” emphasizes the diverse experiences and practices in literacy across South Africa. The conference will explore topics such as multilingual literacy, intergenerational learning, and the integration of technology in literacy education. Submissions are invited in various formats, including individual papers, panel discussions, workshops, and poster presentations. Registration opens on June 30 and closes on August 30, 2025. (litasa.org.za)
Pan African Literacy for All (PALFA) Conference
The PALFA Conference, a biennial event, will convene in 2025 under the theme “Shaping the Future of Africa through Innovative Literacy Approaches.” This conference aims to align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 by addressing the continent’s literacy challenges amidst rapid technological advancements. Discussions will focus on integrating digital literacy, decolonizing education, and promoting multilingual literacy practices. The conference seeks to foster dialogues that contribute to building a literate and adaptive citizenry equipped with 21st-century skills. (lipanonline.org)
Africa Dyslexia Conference
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia, the Africa Dyslexia Conference 2025 will serve as a high-level gathering focused on learning differences. The two-day event aims to catalyze regional policy reform, educational transformation, and workforce inclusion for neurodiverse populations. With strategic partnerships from UNESCO and UNICEF, the conference will embed discussions on learning differences into broader conversations on literacy equity and social justice. Attendees will include education leaders, business professionals, researchers, and advocates, all committed to supporting individuals with learning differences across Africa. (africadyslexia.org)
South African Association for Language Teaching (SAALT) Conference
From July 28 to 31, 2025, the SAALT Conference will take place in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, South Africa. Under the theme “From Chalkboards to Chatbots: Language Education’s Journey and Future,” the conference will explore the evolution of language education from traditional methods to the integration of artificial intelligence and digital tools. Academics, researchers, and language practitioners are invited to submit abstracts addressing subtopics such as technology in language classrooms, AI in language assessment, and future trends in language education. (saalt.org.za)
International Conference on Language and Literacy Education
Organized by The Hub for Multilingual Education and Literacies (HuMEL) and its partners, this conference is set for September 12 to 14, 2025, at the Wits Parktown Education Campus in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event will delve into the theme of “translanguaging, literacies, and technological affordances,” highlighting their roles in revolutionizing multilingual education in the 21st century. The conference aims to foster discussions on innovative literacy practices and the integration of technology in language education. (10times.com)
World Literacy Summit 2025
The World Literacy Summit 2025 is scheduled for April 6 to 9, 2025. The summit will feature sessions such as “The Bedrock in Literacy: Promoting Literacy in Early Childhood Education” and “Solving the Child Literacy Crisis: How Physical Movement Can Revolutionize Child Literacy and Transform Educational Outcomes.” These sessions aim to address global literacy challenges and share innovative solutions to improve literacy rates worldwide. (worldliteracysummit.org)
Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) Conference
In March 2025, LIASA will celebrate South African Library Week from March 17 to 23, under the theme “Libraries for Sustainable Communities.” The launch event is scheduled for March 14 in Makhado. This theme underscores the transformative role that libraries play in fostering sustainability, resilience, inclusivity, and accessibility within communities. The event aligns with South Africa’s commitment to sustainable development and equality, reflecting libraries’ contributions to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). (en.wikipedia.org)
Nigeria International Book Fair
The Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) 2025 is scheduled to take place at the Balmoral Convention Center, Sheraton, Ikeja, Lagos, from May 7 to 9, 2025. Established in 2001, the NIBF is an annual cultural event organized by the Nigeria Book Fair Trust (NBFT). The fair brings together book enthusiasts, including writers, poets, booksellers, publishers, authors, illustrators, printers, librarians, school owners, government officials, and readers from Nigeria and around the world. The main aim of the festival is to promote and improve the reading culture among Nigerians and Africans as a whole. (en.wikipedia.org)
These conferences represent a concerted effort across Africa to address literacy challenges, embrace technological advancements, and promote inclusive education. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, these events aim to shape a literate and empowered future for the continent.
