Arewa WikiConference 2026 is the regional gathering for Hausa-speaking Wikimedians, open-knowledge advocates, and community leaders across Northern Nigeria. Hosted by the Hausa Wikimedians User Group, the maiden edition of this conference is scheduled to take place in Kano, Nigeria, in late 2026.

The primary objective of the conference is to bring together diverse voices from across the Hausa language Wikimedia communities to share insights, foster relationships, and celebrate open-knowledge accomplishments. Attendees will engage in strategic sessions, interactive workshops, and research showcases centered on driving the growth of Hausa Wikipedia, sister projects and advancing Wikimedia community growth in the region. The event will also highlight success stories, institutional collaborations, and technological innovations designed to expand open access to knowledge in regional languages.

The conference will be organized in a partnership with the National Library of Nigeria and others.

Conference Focus Area:

1. Language Empowerment & Free Access
   At the heart of our mission is the belief that everyone deserves access to knowledge in the language they understand best. Arewa WikiConference 2026 focuses on accelerating the growth of high-quality, verifiable content across Hausa-language Wikimedia platforms. Sessions will highlight strategies for digital language preservation, expanding coverage of local history and culture, and lowering barriers to digital participation for underrepresented groups across the region.

2. Regional Unity & Collaborative Growth
   The strength of the Wikimedia movement rests on the shared passion and collective action of its volunteer base. This conference provides a vital meeting ground for editors, project organizers, and technical contributors from different states and backgrounds to exchange skills and align on common goals. Through joint planning, cross-community mentorship, and collaborative problem-solving, the event aims to form a unified network capable of driving impactful open-knowledge initiatives across Northern Nigeria.

3. Institutional Sustainability & Leadership Development
   Building a lasting movement requires long-term strategy, strong leadership, and continuous engagement. Arewa WikiConference 2026 will prioritize sessions on volunteer retention, leadership training, governance, and institutional partnerships with universities, libraries, and cultural organizations. By equipping contributors with technical tools and strategic guidance, we aim to build a strong foundation that will support the Hausa Wikimedia community for generations to come.