Biodiversity collections and their documentation are crucial for scientific studies, yet both are poorly managed in most sub-Saharan institutions. This is especially true of collections held in national institutions of research and higher learning.  Research use of biodiversity collections by students and professionals can improve the state of documentation and digitization of the collections. The global taxonomic network, BioNET-International embarked on an outreach program to African institutions through their regional Networks for Taxonomy, EAFRINET (East African), SAFRINET (Southern African), WAFRINET (West African) and NAFRINET (North African), to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity collections and their documentation for increasing taxonomic capacity in Africa. To address this crisis, capacity needs assessment was conducted in East Africa by the BioNET-EAFRINET taxonomic network. It was discovered that in the field of arthropods, there is a large gap in taxonomic expertise in institutions of higher learning. This is made worse by a bias against invertebrates, many of which are viewed as pests. To address this gap, several training programs, some focused on arthropods, have emanated from the African networks, and have made significant inroads in EAFRINET. The courses trained students and the supporting staff of biodiversity collections in collection documentation and digitization. Realization of the importance of collection digitization for solving practical problems in biodiversity conservation, agriculture, and assessing the effects of climate change on biodiversity has brought digitization to the fore. However, funding for these activities is still limited, especially from national budgets. The increased awareness of the role of documentation and digitization in informing national policy decisions has stirred curriculum development in local universities. The EAFRINET network continues to connect players in the field of documentation within Africa and beyond.