The highly anticipated international photo competition, Wiki Loves Africa, has officially kicked off in Cameroon with its theme « Africa Creates » for its 2024 edition. The competition, which runs from the 1st of March to the 30th of April, invites participants from across the continent to contribute their unique media to Wikimedia Commons for use on Wikipedia.
Group of participants at the press conference.
The official launch of the competition in Cameroon took place on the 14th of March in Douala, the nation’s economic hub. During a press conference held on the same day, Lontsie Minette, the Manager in charge of challenges, highlighted the significance of the competition in promoting content production on Wikimedia Commons.
Lonstie Minette, Project manager in charge of challenges, responding to questions during the press conference.
« It’s actually a competition which is aimed at having photographers and videographers contribute to content production on Wikimedia Commons, an online platform where photos, videos, and sounds are free to use after sharing, and are not subjected to copyright laws, » said Lonstie Minette, Project manager in charge of challenges.
Project manager explaining the importance of competition, to the participants.
To encourage Cameroonian photographers and videographers to participate, the Wikimedia platform has embarked on sensitization campaigns and training sessions with the local creative community. Participants are expected to share samples of their works, from which winners will be selected.
Participants brainstorming after learning the announcement of the international contest.
At the international level, the top photographer, best narrative video, and best report video stand a chance to win a grand prize of $1000 each, while the best audio submission will receive $800. In Cameroon, the stakes are equally high, with the national winner taking home 100,000frs, the second-place receiving 75,000frs, and the third-place winner awarded 50,000frs.
The competition which was first launched in 2014, covers over 20countries in Africa and presents a unique opportunity for African creatives to showcase their talents on a global platform and contribute to the rich content available on Wikimedia Commons. With the theme « Africa Creates, » participants are encouraged to capture and share the diverse stories and creativity that define the African experience.
As the competition gains momentum in Cameroon and across the continent, all eyes are on the talented photographers and videographers who will bring their unique perspectives to the forefront of the Wiki Loves Africa 2024 edition.
