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"Traditional guardians, in whose memory the text values are preserved, are the (only) carriers of tradition, but unfortunately they have not long to live. The immense oral cultural heritage must be saved, and must not be allowed to die with the death of the traditional guardians. In Africa, when an old person dies, it is a library that burns.
-  Amadou Hampâté
Our vision

A future where African and Caribbean scholarship defines the global standard of academic excellence — on its own terms, from its own institutions, and through its own intellectual traditions.

What this means for YALIW:
· African and Caribbean scholars no longer seek validation from external systems
· Knowledge produced in the Global South is centred, not marginalised
· The academic playing field is not equalised — it is re-centred

Griot on a kora

Source: Article, The role of the griot and the origins of the kora. https://www.my-gambia.com/

Our mission

YALIW curates, preserves, and amplifies peer-reviewed scholarship by African and Caribbean scholars. We build the digital infrastructure where local knowledge traditions meet global academic standards — on African and Caribbean terms.

What this means for YALIW:

· Curate — Select, organise, and showcase rigorous scholarship across all disciplines

· Preserve — Assign DOIs, maintain permanent archives, ensure long-term access

· Amplify — Make African and Caribbean scholarship visible, discoverable, and impactful worldwide

Core Values

Epistemic Diversity
All knowledge traditions are valid. Submissions accepted in all African and Caribbean languages.

Peer-Validated Rigour
Reviewers who understand regional contexts, not external gatekeepers.

Open Access with Sustainability
Abstracts free. Affordable multi-tier subscriptions.

Scholar-Centred
Authors retain rights. Reviewers are respected.

African and Caribbean Sovereignty
Infrastructure and standards rooted in the regions we serve.

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