In alignment with the project “Safeguarding Africa’s Endangered Documentary Heritage”, a groundbreaking capacity-building initiative has been launched to train participants in the preservation and accessibility of Mali’s ancient manuscripts.

Led by the UNESCO Mali Office in collaboration with the SAVAMA-DCI NGO, the program targets over 70 individuals, including manuscript custodians from families, students, and researchers. Its primary goal is to equip them with advanced techniques to better protect and promote this invaluable intellectual legacy.

The ancient manuscripts of the Sahel region—particularly those in Mali—represent a priceless reservoir of knowledge, encapsulating centuries of historical and intellectual contributions from Africa. However, the escalating security crises and climate-related challenges have placed these documents at serious risk, making their preservation an urgent national priority.

This initiative builds upon previous efforts while introducing innovative approaches to conservation, access enhancement, and the dissemination of documentary heritage at risk.

The training program consists of two sequential workshops:

• The first workshop, running from June 29 to July 1, 2026, focuses on field survey techniques and manuscript identification. Participants will learn to locate, authenticate, and document manuscripts across family collections, libraries, and private archives.

• The second session, scheduled for July 2–4, 2026, centers on inventory methodologies and cataloging. Attendees will master data collection, organization, and standardized descriptive documentation.

The inaugural session was inaugurated by the representative of Mali’s Ministry of Crafts, Culture, Hotel Industry, and Tourism, alongside the Acting Head of the UNESCO Mali Office and the Executive President of SAVAMA-DCI. These sessions will comprehensively address the full spectrum of ancient manuscript management, from initial discovery to structured documentation, specifically benefiting 15 agents from manuscript-keeping families.

“The Ministry of Crafts, Culture, Hotel Industry, and Tourism reaffirms its unwavering support for this project, with special emphasis on its expected outcomes and transformative impact,” stated Mr. Mamadou Cissé, Technical Advisor representing the Minister of Culture.

Mr. Ali-Mohamed Sinane, Head of the UNESCO Mali Office, emphasized: “Preserving ancient manuscripts is not just about saving physical documents—it’s about safeguarding our collective memory, identity, and shared history. We are committed to ensuring these priceless intellectual treasures are passed down to future generations.”

Upon completion, participants will be equipped to conduct field assessments, accurately identify manuscripts, and contribute to their integration into structured inventory systems. Subsequent phases of the program will extend training to students and researchers in critical editing and manuscript translation techniques.

Through this initiative, UNESCO and its partners—including the Government of Japan—demonstrate their commitment to protecting Africa’s documentary heritage. The ultimate objective is twofold: to preserve these treasures for posterity and to elevate their recognition as culturally significant historical assets.