Help Archiveafrica build a physical archive in Ghana

Help Us Build the ArchiveAfrica Space: Preserving African History and Culture

Hello,

My name is Kofi Iddrisu, a British-Ghanaian medic, archivist, and the founder of ArchiveAfrica, a platform dedicated to preserving and amplifying African history and culture. Since its founding in 2020, ArchiveAfrica has made remarkable strides, reaching over 160,000 followers and collaborating with esteemed institutions like the Harvard Graduate School of Design, the University of Oxford, and others. Together, we’ve amassed a growing archive of over 1,800 photos, videos, and documents, all aimed at celebrating and safeguarding the richness of African heritage.

University of Oxford article about Archive Africa

ArchiveAfrica was born out of my passion for preserving narratives often overlooked. As a graduate of the University of Glasgow and the University of Oxford, and now finishing my MD at the University of Ghana, I have always been deeply committed to making a tangible impact through history and storytelling.

Now, we’re ready to take the next big step: building a physical archive space in Accra, Ghana, complemented by a robust digital archive to make our resources accessible globally. This project will not only house invaluable historical content but will also serve as a community space and residency program for archivists to inspire learning, creativity, and collaboration.

Our Fundraising Goal

We need your support to bring this dream to life. Our fundraising target is £60,000, which will be allocated as follows:

Digital Archive and Website Development:

£5,000: To design and build an accessible, user-friendly website and digital archive platform.

Physical Archive Space:

£55,000: To cover construction and furnishing costs for a purpose-built archive space in Accra. Proposed plans include:

Secure storage for rare documents and artifacts.

Research and exhibition spaces for community use.

A modern media area for digital storytelling.

Residency Facilities: Dedicated spaces for visiting archivists, scholars, and creatives to work on projects, conduct research, and engage with the local community.'

Why This Matters

This archive will serve as a cultural beacon, preserving and sharing stories that celebrate the diversity and complexity of African heritage. From oral histories to rare photographs, our mission is to ensure these treasures are not only preserved but also accessible to future generations.

The residency program will foster innovation and collaboration, providing a supportive environment for archivists and scholars from around the world to deepen their work and contribute to the field of African history.

Earlier this year, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we successfully raised $700 USD for the Sudanese Physicians Charity to support their incredible work. Now, we’re asking for your help once again.

Every Contribution Counts

No amount is too small—every single contribution brings us closer to realizing this vision. Whether it’s £5 or £500, your support will help us make history by preserving it.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can build something extraordinary for Africa and the world.

With gratitude,

Kofi Iddrisu

Founder, ArchiveAfrica