Use of African Languages and Literacy: Conditions, factors and processes (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Tanzania and Zambia)

In light of several political declarations, charters, and plans of action, it is clear that African governments do recognize the need to promote African languages for literacy, education, and development. However, lack of political will has prevented most governments from implementing the various international and regional language policies and plans of actions. This document is a critical review of available Francophone (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Mali and Niger) and Anglophone (Cameroon, Tanzania and Zambia,) studies related to language use and literacy in Africa. It serves as an initial step towards an understanding of the factors and conditions that facilitate or undermine the promotion of African languages and literacy