The African Development Bank, in collaboration with partners and African financial institutions, will help establish the African Journalists’ and Correspondents’ Fellowships to build and strengthen the capacities of journalists and correspondents working in Africa, President Akinwumi Adesina announced.
“We must promote a balanced view that highlights both the challenges and the many successes of Africa. It’s about changing perceptions and showcasing Africa as a continent rich with opportunity and innovation.”
Adesina stated that the bank would collaborate with AllAfrica Media and African financial institutions to create the fellowship program. This initiative aims to encourage more positive reporting of developments across the continent.
“Together let us continue to promote Africa. I call on you as leaders of the media, become the vuvuzelas for Africa! Tell Africa’s positive stories,” Adesina urged his audience of media executives from across the continent.
The announcement was made at a summit themed “Re-engineering African Media in Times of Critical Transformation,” which convenes over 300 African media owners and operators, government officials, corporate leaders, academics, civil society champions, and development partners. The summit aims to discuss the media business and the critical role it must play in shaping Africa’s future.
“The media has a critically important role, by being fair, objective, inquisitive, investigative yes, but also by being a catalyst for development, and promoting positive news about tangible African accomplishments, achievements, and developments,” he stated in his address.
