Welcome to 2024: A Strategic Year for ALCA!

Dear ALCA Community,

Happy New Year! As we step into the promising dawn of 2024, it brings me great joy to extend a warm welcome to each member of our vibrant and dynamic community.

This year marks a pivotal moment for the Association of Language Companies in Africa (ALCA). We embark on a journey of strategic growth, innovation, and collaboration that is set to redefine the landscape of the language services sector across the continent.

At the heart of our resolution for 2024 are key pillars – partnerships, collaboration, research, and networking. We believe that by cultivating meaningful partnerships, fostering collaboration within our community, conducting insightful research, and providing robust networking opportunities, we can collectively elevate the language industry to unprecedented heights.

In this issue:

• ALCA's Official Launch

• Featured Article by Helga Walker

• Independence Commemoration, and more!

Throughout the coming months, you can expect a series of engaging activities and events designed to strengthen our community bonds, offer valuable insights, and create pathways to new opportunities. Your active participation will be instrumental in making these initiatives successful.

Thank you for being an integral part of ALCA's journey. Together, let's make 2024 a year marked by impactful collaborations, fruitful partnerships, and shared successes.

Best regards,

Christiana Aboagye

Coordinator

Celebrating Linguistic Diversity through Co-opetition

by Helga Walker (Women In Localization- Global Growth & Diversity)

In the vibrant tapestry of the African continent, language stands as a testament to its rich cultural diversity. With over 2,000 languages, Africa's linguistic landscape is not just a feature of its cultural identity, but also a significant player in its economic and technological advancement. In this era of globalization, the concept of co-opetition – blending cooperation with competition – has emerged as a pivotal strategy in leveraging this diversity for collective growth and individual excellence.

The Co-opetition Model

Co-opetition, a strategic approach that combines the strengths of cooperation with the vigor of competition, offers a unique framework for understanding and promoting linguistic diversity in Africa. It encourages entities to collaborate in areas where shared goals can be achieved, such as language preservation and digitalization, while still competing in markets and innovation. This model fosters an environment where different stakeholders – governments, private companies,  and educational institutions – can work together towards common objectives, yet maintain their distinct competitive advantages… Read more!

Our Official Launch

The Association of Language Companies in Africa (ALCA) will officially launch at the 4th Africa International Translation Conference (AITCO 2024) in Kigali, Rwanda!

Details:

📅 Date: February 9th and 10th, 2024

📍 Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion as we explore the pivotal role of associations in the growth of the language industry.

If you are in Rwanda or nearby, don't miss the chance to be part of this historic launch. Your presence will contribute to the vibrant dialogue and collaborative spirit that defines ALCA.

For more information and conference details, visit AITCO 2024.

Let's make history together at ALCA's official launch!

Independence Commemoration

We take a moment to celebrate the significant milestones of two remarkable nations – Sudan and Cameroon – marking the 67th and 63rd anniversaries of their independence, respectively.

Embracing Diversity in Every Hue

Cameroon has been a beacon of diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups and languages enriching its cultural landscape.

The 63 years of independence have witnessed Cameroon's commitment to unity amidst diversity, exemplifying the spirit of "Africa in Miniature."

As we celebrate this milestone, let us cherish the unity that stems from embracing diverse cultures.

A Legacy of Unity and Diversity

Sudan emerged as a sovereign nation, and for the past 67 years, it has stood as a testament to unity in diversity.

From the Sahelian belt to the Red Sea, Sudan's geographical and cultural richness has shaped its identity.

As Sudan continues its journey, we honor the resilience of its people and the cultural tapestry that defines this nation.

To the people of Sudan and Cameroon, and to Language Service Providers (LSPs) contributing to these vibrant societies, we invite you to join the Association of Language Companies in Africa (ALCA).

Let's collaborate in commemorating our shared history and fostering linguistic diversity.

Happy 67th Independence, Sudan!

Happy 63rd Independence, Cameroon!

Job Board

The United Nations is Hiring…

Are you passionate about language and international diplomacy? Here's your opportunity to make a global impact. The Division of Conference Management is currently seeking a Chief of Interpretation Service to join the team at the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland.

Position: Chief of Interpretation Service

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Key Requirements:

• 15 years or more of international conference management experience

• Expertise in interpretation services

• Strong leadership and management skills

• Tech-savvy with an understanding of language-related technologies

Visit UN Careers to apply.

Contributors Wanted!

ALCA is your platform to shine. If you have articles, success stories, or industry insights to share, we invite you to contribute to our newsletter.

Reach out to [coordinator@alca-association.org] with your submissions.