Back in March, we kicked off Wiki Loves Africa 2025 with a vibrant virtual launch that set the tone for the 11th edition of this continent-wide photographic and media competition. With the theme “Farm to Plate“ the campaign offered contributors from across Africa the opportunity to highlight the unsung heroes of African food systems; the farmers, market vendors, street food chefs, and home cooks, and bring attention to the cultural, economic, and social narratives embedded in how food reaches our tables. In essence, this year’s contest captured the full journey of food — from its origins in the soil to the shared meals that bring people together.
Highlights From The Launch Event: Setting the Tone for the Campaign
Held virtually on 12th March 2025, the official launch ceremony brought together Wikimedia volunteers, past winners, photographers, and organizers from across Africa. The event marked the beginning of a campaign rooted in storytelling, culture, and community.
Highlights from the event included:
- A foreword by Maryana Iskander, CEO of the Wikimedia Foundation.
- A live quiz session — How much do you know about Wiki Loves Africa?
- A reflection on the project’s 10-year impact: over 116,000 images, videos, and audio files contributed to Wikimedia Commons.
- A tribute to Wilson Kelechi Oluoha, a valued global organizer who passed away in September 2024. Wilson was instrumental in expanding Wiki Loves Africa’s presence from 2023 to 2024, and his commitment to open knowledge continues to inspire.
- Panel discussions and interviews with past winners and organizers, sharing experiences and insights from the campaign’s history.
- An in-depth review of the 2025 theme “Farm to Plate”, the campaign structure, prize categories, and what to expect throughout the two-month contest.
The event was part celebration, part strategy session — equal parts emotion and momentum. [Watch the full launch here].