Today marks the beginning of the AllAfrica Media Leaders’ Summit, which runs from May 8 to May 10 at various venues across Nairobi, Kenya. Under the theme “Re-engineering African Media in Times of Critical Transformation,” the summit is hosted by AllAfrica Global Media, a pivotal organisation in the African media landscape. This event promises to draw more than 300 media leaders, practitioners, and influencers from around the globe to discuss the future of media in Africa amidst rapid technological and social changes.

The summit will address several critical issues, including the adaptation of African media to technological advancements, the mitigation of risks associated with artificial intelligence in information dissemination, and crucially, the safety of journalists working under increasingly perilous conditions. Among the speakers are some of the most respected names in African and global media, development, and academia. Noteworthy participants include Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, and Ziaad Suleman, Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Committee Member of EOH.

One of the highlights of the summit is the engagement with the youth through the Digizens Circle public youth debate. Scheduled to take place at the University of Nairobi, this event aims to involve young people in shaping the future narrative of African media. “We are especially excited about including young voices in our discussions. Their insights are vital as we think about the future of media in Africa,” said Amadou Mahtar Ba, Executive Chairman of AllAfrica Global Media.

In addition to panels and discussions, the summit will feature the Excellence Awards Ceremony and gala dinner, where journalists and media leaders will be recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards and other accolades. This event not only honors past contributions but also aims to inspire continued excellence in the African media industry.

Parallel to the summit, AllAfrica Global Media, in partnership with the ONE Campaign, launched the Newsroom Innovation Youth Challenge. This initiative called on young people across Africa to propose innovative solutions for engaging their peers in traditional media platforms. The challenge highlighted the creativity and potential of the continent’s youth, with the top three winners invited to the summit to showcase their projects and receive their awards.

The 2024 AllAfrica Media Leaders’ Summit is co-chaired by an array of distinguished figures, including Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman and Editor-in-chief of the THISDAY-ARISE Media Group, and Dr. Vera Songwe, Chair of the Board of Liquidity and Sustainability Facility. Together, they and other leaders will steer discussions that are expected to produce actionable strategies for advancing media practice in Africa.

By convening a diverse group of stakeholders, the AllAfrica Media Leaders’ Summit aims to forge a path toward a more informed, inclusive, and resilient African media landscape, poised to tackle the challenges of the present and the future.