Transforming the Digital Landscape of Archives Across the Continent
The Open Map for Archives Network in Africa (CORAA) is a groundbreaking digital mapping platform designed to showcase archival institutions across Africa.
The result of a multi-year effort (2021-2025) between the International Council on Archives (ICA) and ArchiLab, a research and experimentation laboratory within the Department of Information Science at the Geneva School of Business Administration (HEG Genève), CORAA is one of the tangible outcomes of the ICA Africa Programme.
Far more than just a map, this tool is for research, collaboration, and discovery. By offering an open-access visual overview of archival repositories, the open map supports education, preservation, and cross-regional networking among archivists, researchers, and institutions throughout the continent.
The project brought together a committed group of partners, including:
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- The team at ArchiLab, in particular, Professor Basma Shabou and her dedicated students and consultants
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- PIAF (Programme International Archives Francophones)
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- L’École Nationale des Chartes
Special thanks are also extended to the Forum of Professional Associations (FPA), InterPARES AI, and InterPARES Trust Phase 4 for their support and contributions throughout the development process.
Explore. Connect. Contribute.
Dive into Africa’s archival landscape by navigating the interactive map. You can search for institutions and help grow the network by submitting a new stakeholder organisation. To contribute, simply click ‘add a stakeholder’ at the top of the page. You do not need to have an account to do so, but it is advised. You can create one using your email and a password of your choice. It is entirely free. Once a moderator has approved your submission, you will receive a confirmation email. As a validated stakeholder, you will be able to vote on new submissions. In creating a community of self-moderation, the map becomes sustainable and egalitarian.
Accessibility and Language Options
The map interface and stakeholder submission form are available in English. However, users can view the site in other languages by enabling automatic translation through their browser (e.g., right-click and select your preferred language option).
Questions?
For any inquiries, feedback, or assistance, please contact us at programme@ica.org.
