Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank Group, has announced the creation of an Annual Africa Media Prize. The award aims to recognise and profile African journalists, correspondents and media houses that highlight Africa’s achievements and progress.
Adesina stated that the African Development Bank would collaborate with the AllAfrica Media organisation and African financial institutions to establish the prize. This initiative is part of efforts to promote more positive reporting of developments on the continent. Adesina made these remarks during a keynote speech at a media leaders’ summit convened by AllAfrica Media.
“Africa must shape its own narrative, and not depend on what others think about it or the perspectives they prefer to share about it, its achievements, and opportunities… Positive stories of African investment opportunities need to be well showcased, as they unfortunately do not get sufficient coverage, if any at all, in western media,” Dr Adesina declared.
In addition to this prize, Adesina proposed that the African Development Bank, Africa Import-Export Bank, and all regional financial institutions pool resources. This collaboration would support the emergence of a globally respected African media company that will position news from Africa for global audiences.
The summit was themed “Re-engineering African Media in Times of Critical Transformation”. It attracted over 300 participants including African media owners and operators, government officials, corporate leaders, academics, civil society champions, and development partners. They gathered to discuss the business of media and its critical role in shaping Africa’s future.
“The media has a critically important role by being fair, objective, inquisitive...but also by being a catalyst for development and promoting positive news about tangible African accomplishments," said Adesina in his address.
He also urged development institutions in Africa to set up a joint repository of verified and standardised stories. This would include videos and content that make it easier to aggregate and write stories on what is being achieved in Africa.
Furthermore, Adesina pledged that the African Development Bank, in partnership with other African financial institutions, would help establish the African Journalists’ and Correspondents’ Fellowships. This initiative aims to build and strengthen the capacities of journalists and correspondents working in Africa.
“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,” he urged his audience of media executives from across the continent.
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