By Edward Dankwah, GNA
Accra, Sept. 3, GNA – The MTN Group, University of Johannesburg (UJ) and The African Editors’ Forum (TAEF) have welcomed the first cohort of the MTN Pan-African Media Innovation Programme.
The six-week programme seeks to strengthen journalism and build resilient media institutions capable of navigating the rapidly changing digital environment across Africa.
A statement issued in Accra said the inaugural cohort comprises 42 journalists, editors and media practitioners from 10 African countries, representing print, broadcast, digital and independent newsrooms.
The participating countries are South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda, Eswatini, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, South Sudan, Zambia and Benin.
The programme comes at a time when newsrooms are grappling with rapid technological changes, shifting audience behaviour, declining traditional revenue models and the growing influence of artificial intelligence and global digital platforms.
Ms Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, said strong and independent media institutions were essential to informed societies and Africa’s development.
She said the first cohort comprised media professionals who understood the challenges confronting African newsrooms and had the potential to contribute to addressing them.
“MTN is providing the platform and the partnerships. Responsibility for the curriculum as well as the selection of participants sits with our academic partners,” she said.
UJ independently selected the fellows using professional and academic criteria, including their track record, commitment to ethical journalism, ability to influence their organisations and interest in media innovation.
Professor Sifiso Mnisi, Director of the Centre for Data and Digital Communications at UJ, said the programme combined academic rigour with the practical realities confronting media professionals.
He said the fellows would examine how technology, changing audience expectations and commercial pressures were reshaping journalism and apply the lessons to their respective newsrooms.
The programme builds on the MTN Nigeria Media Innovation Programme, established in 2022, combines academic study with practical exposure to institutions and issues shaping Africa’s media environment.
Meanwhile, the fifth cohort of the Nigeria programme is undertaking a week-long study visit to South Africa, engaging with leaders from academia, business, government and the media.
Mr Emmanuel K. Dogbevi, Vice President of TAEF, urged the fellows to uphold professional standards and take advantage of emerging opportunities despite the challenges confronting journalism.
He said shrinking democratic spaces, attacks on press freedom and rapid technological advancement posed challenges but also created opportunities for journalists committed to their responsibilities.
The certified programme covers six areas: Pan-African media futures and storytelling; media innovation and entrepreneurship; digital transformation and platform economies; digital journalism, content strategy and analytics; media business strategy and sustainability; and media ethics, law and governance in the digital age.
Each fellow is also expected to develop a practical innovation project addressing a challenge or opportunity in their newsroom or the wider media sector.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade