FrançaisAfrica’s cultural heritage is a common good of humanity to be managed collectively.
Ultimately, all literary and scientific works, including those of Africans, should be universally as accessible as the air we breathe. They are one of the common goods of humanity for its fulfilment. Therefore they are not destined to remain indefinitely commodities for which one would have to pay. In the future, society will ensure that they are free and accessible, while at the same time ensuring that creators can live off their labour. This is the normal future towards which NENA seeks to move forward.
In this direction, NENA today collects and digitizes works, multiplies the modes of distribution, applies the lowest prices, or makes the community bear the costs.
At the same time, the common character of the written heritage of Africans also implies in the long run the participation of all the parties concerned by its conservation, dissemination and use. Authors, publishers, booksellers, librarians, readers of any condition (age, education, profession, disability, etc.), should together, within a framework to be defined, democratically deliberate and decide on all aspects related to the operations and management of this common good.
Having initiated the creation of Africa’s digital editorial fund and broadcasting infrastructure, NENA is for the moment in charge of it, but sees itself only as the trustee. Eventually, the association of stakeholders will be invited to democratically direct the maintenance and use of these common resources, with NENA being able to continue to play the role of operator.
Towards this vision of the future, NENA is now seeking to involve its partners in its decisions within consultative frameworks that are in the process of being set up.
