Ghana’s capital, Accra, is set to become the focal point of Africa’s media transformation as leaders across journalism, business, and technology gather for the second edition of Shaping the Future of African Media, a major Pan-African summit focused on redefining Africa’s voice on the global stage.
The two-day event, scheduled for April 29–30, 2026, will take place at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT in Accra and is expected to attract top media executives, economists, policymakers, investors, and content creators from across the continent.
Organised by Africa News Agency, the forum will explore how African storytelling can be transformed into an economic asset and a strategic tool for sovereignty in a rapidly evolving global media landscape.
Africa at a Media Turning Point
The event comes at a time when the global media industry is undergoing sweeping changes driven by digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and new content formats.
Experts say African media organisations now face a critical moment—one that requires innovation, resilience, and stronger control over the continent’s narrative.
Beyond reporting news, media institutions are increasingly seen as powerful instruments capable of shaping national image, attracting investment, and strengthening Africa’s global influence.
High-Level Speakers to Lead Conversations
The summit will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:
- Akwasi Opong-Fosu — Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre
- Idrissa Diabira — Founder and CEO of SherpAfrica
- Hamadou Tidiane Sy — CEO of Ouestaf and Founder of E-jicom School
- James Munyaneza — Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The New Times, Rwanda
- Adam Djibrine — Consul of Chad to Ghana
- Ekow Quandzie — Head of Public Relations at Global Media Alliance
Discussions will focus on some of the most pressing issues shaping modern media, including monetisation strategies, artificial intelligence, regulation, innovation, and sustainable business models.
From Discussion to Practical Skills
Unlike traditional conferences, organisers say the event will go beyond discussions.
Participants will have access to free masterclasses offering hands-on training in areas such as:
- Digital content production
- Editorial strategy
- Media monetisation
- Artificial intelligence tools
- Strategic storytelling
According to Dounia Ben Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer of Africa News Agency, the initiative builds on earlier efforts to strengthen media independence across Africa.
“African narratives must be understood as a strategic lever of influence, economic development, and sovereignty,” she said.
Strengthening Independent African Media
One of the central themes of the summit is the urgent need to build stronger and more independent media institutions across Africa.
Many organisations on the continent continue to face financial challenges and rely heavily on limited funding sources, sometimes linked to political or economic interests.
However, a new generation of media professionals is emerging—one that is investing in technology, developing innovative platforms, and redefining storytelling models.
Industry observers believe this shift could help African media compete more effectively on the global stage.
Accra Emerges as a Strategic Media Hub
The event also highlights Ghana’s growing importance in Africa’s media ecosystem.
In January 2026, Africa News Agency opened a new office in Accra, positioning the city as its continental headquarters after Kigali.
The move signals a strategic shift aimed at strengthening collaboration between African media institutions and international partners.
With more than one million views across its digital platforms and operations spanning multiple countries, the agency continues to expand its influence across the continent.
Building Africa’s Narrative Power
Organisers say the ultimate goal of the summit is clear—to help build a powerful, independent African media ecosystem capable of telling stories that match the continent’s ambitions.
Beyond influencing perception, they believe African storytelling holds significant economic potential—capable of attracting investment, shaping policy conversations, and strengthening cultural identity.
As conversations unfold in Accra this week, industry stakeholders say the future of Africa’s media will depend not just on technology, but on the stories the continent chooses to tell—and how boldly it tells them.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
