Gaps and Opportunities in the African LSP Landscape


Track: Global Business | A2 |   Everyone |
Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 3:30am – 4:15am
Held in: Remo
Presenters:
Sarah Hickey - Nimdzi Insights 
Ricky Kalu - Kalu Media 
Ady Namaran Coulibaly - Bolingo Communications and Media Consult Ltd
Moderator: Nicoli Potgieter

It is estimated that there are over 2,000 languages spoken in Africa. Yet, there are few language services to be found on this vast continent, and the language industry does not seem to be thriving. In this panel discussion, industry analysts and experts from the African language service provider (LSP) market will first discuss the current gaps on the African market, before outlining how local and international players alike can turn them into opportunities. Specific focus will be given to the state of local LSPs, the use of language technology, the evolving market for local languages, best practices, and the role of associations.

Takeaways: Attendees will learn what the African LSP market looks like today: structure, health of the current LSPs, the role and state of technology, and activity of existing local associations, clubs, and nonprofit organizations promoting the language service industry; opportunities: how the African market is evolving and where current gaps can be transformed into opportunities, such as language services for African languages; and how to succeed on the African market: best practices that international players should be aware of, and how local LSPs can help each other take the African market to the next level.