How to write about platformization in Africa

The African Centre for Cities will host 17 scholars for an intimate writing workshop on ‘How to write about platformization in Africa’ from 15 – 17 July 2024. The three day workshop is funded by Edinburgh University through the Africa-Edinburgh Catalytic Partnership Fund 2023/24.

The goal of this workshop, whose title riffs off Binyavanga Wainaina’s famous satirical essay “how to write about Africa“, is to collaboratively reflect on the tricks of the trade of academic publishing. It was borne out of the recognition of the importance of writing and publishing for scholars who intend to have their voices heard in international debates about the futures of platformization. The programme will also serve as a networking opportunity for the scholars, who are drawn together by their interest in platform research and writing from an African perspective.

This is the first of two writing workshops on platformization. A call for applications for the second workshop with the same theme will be released soon.