MTN has launched the inaugural cohort of its Pan-African Media Innovation Programme, bringing together journalists, media practitioners and content creators from across Africa to examine the changing role of the media in shaping perceptions and fostering stronger connections among African societies.

The initiative seeks to equip media professionals with the skills required to operate in an industry being rapidly reshaped by artificial intelligence, digital platforms, evolving audience behaviour and emerging business models.

MTN is implementing the programme in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and The African Editors Forum (TAEF). A key focus is to strengthen participants’ ability to present African stories to audiences around the world from an authentic African perspective.

The first cohort was hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation. As part of the programme, participants also held an engagement with South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille.

During the session, De Lille urged media practitioners to look beyond traditional reporting approaches and examine the contribution storytelling can make towards addressing fake news and propaganda. She also underscored the importance of the media in advancing tourism across Africa.

The programme forms part of MTN’s wider efforts to support initiatives aimed at developing professional capacity, encouraging unity across the continent and advancing credible African storytelling.

The initiative comes as the media industry continues to experience major technological and commercial shifts, creating new demands for professionals working across journalism, content creation and other areas of the sector.

Source: techafricanews