These official and private photographic collections represent an important part of the national patrimony of African countries. In a situation when written historical sources from an indigenous perspective are rare, historical photographs take on an added meaning. They provide a unique kind of insight into African lifestyles and complement the written and oral sources to trace historical developments or to study particular topics. Most photographic collections in Africa are in desperate need of conservation. Appropriate archival storage facilities, and properly trained personnel are wanting.
Most repositories are virtually inaccessible.
There are only rudimentary classification systems, or none at all. Access to the photographic collections is often limited or even impossible, so that their value for research and public education is greatly diminished. As a result of these shortcomings, photographs may be irretrievably lost and with it important aspects of African history as well as relevant materials for the writing of photographic history. Large holdings of enormous value are endangered.