By Staff Reporter
Soroti City Uganda: A Ugandan-born tech innovator based in the United States is making waves across Africa’s digital landscape with the launch of a revolutionary content-sharing platform aimed at promoting African culture and empowering content creators.
Elimer Bari, founder and CEO of WANO Africa, has introduced WANO, a mobile application designed to enable Africans to tell their own stories, share cultural heritage, and earn from their creativity. The app supports content in various African languages and allows users to upload audio, video, and photo formats.
Bari describes WANO as more than just a platform—it is a digital movement built to connect Africans across the continent and the diaspora through storytelling.
“WANO is a space where our culture takes center stage. It allows Africans to preserve their traditions, express themselves, and create economic value through content,” Bari said.
Launched under the theme “Africa to the World,” the app encourages diverse storytelling—from traditional folktales to business ideas and creative arts. Users can monetize their content, promote local businesses, and inspire their communities, all within a secure and private network.
Support from Cultural Leaders
The platform has already received positive reception from cultural and tourism leaders. Joseph Ojaatum, Minister of Tourism and Documentation with the Iteso Cultural Union, welcomed WANO’s entry into Uganda and especially its rollout in the Teso sub-region.
“This initiative will help promote our cultural identity and potentially attract both local and international tourism,” he said. “It’s a modern tool for heritage promotion.”
Preparing for Launch
Ahead of its official launch on June 7, 2025, WANO Africa is conducting training for a selected group of content creators across Uganda. The goal is to equip them with skills to produce high-quality, impactful content on the platform.
According to Julius Ojula, also known as Jocare and serving as the national coordinator for WANO Africa, the focus is on empowering creators to deliver stories that inspire and uplift.
“We are prioritizing quality and authenticity. The platform will spotlight voices that reflect the real African experience,” Ojula said.
Growing Community Support
The project has drawn strong backing from Uganda’s digital content community. Leaders of the Teso Bloggers Association, including Nathan Eyagu, Secretary of Publicity, and Samuel Icharat, the Association’s President, have pledged to collaborate with WANO to drive its mission forward.
A Digital Stage for Africa
As anticipation builds for the app’s full rollout, WANO stands poised to become a powerful force in redefining Africa’s digital presence. It offers a new way for Africans to share who they are—with pride, purpose, and ownership.
“WANO is Africa telling its story, its way,” Bari said.
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