The idea came up at AfricaOSH via Twitter. Open Science Framework is providing the infrastructure to a community-led effort, which reduces cost and complexity and allows for focus on education about preprints and promotion by AfricArXiv.
We approach individual African scientists to bounce ideas and develop the concept and out to scientists to get involved in recruitment for submissions (PR team), moderation, steering committee advisory board.
Read the AfricArxiv launch press release here: https://cos.io/about/news/center-open-science-and-africarxiv-launch-branded-preprint-service