The African Development Bank, has introduced the concept of an Annual Africa Media Prize to honor and showcase African journalists, correspondents, and media outlets that highlight the continent’s achievements and advancements.
Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, revealed this initiative during a keynote speech at a media leaders’ summit organized by AllAfrica Media. He emphasized the importance of Africa taking charge of its own narrative and dispelling misconceptions perpetuated by external perspectives. Adesina stressed the need for positive coverage of African investment opportunities, which often receive inadequate attention in Western media.
He suggested collaboration between the African Development Bank, Africa Import-Export Bank, and other regional financial institutions to support the emergence of a globally respected African media company. This entity would serve as a platform to disseminate African news worldwide.
The summit, themed “Re-engineering African Media in Times of Critical Transformation,” convened over 300 African media stakeholders, including owners, government officials, corporate leaders, academics, civil society advocates, and development partners. Adesina underscored the media’s pivotal role in fostering development and promoting positive narratives about Africa’s achievements and progress.
Adesina proposed the creation of a joint repository of verified and standardized content by development institutions in Africa, facilitating easier aggregation and storytelling about the continent’s accomplishments. Additionally, he pledged support for the establishment of African Journalists’ and Correspondents’ Fellowships to enhance their skills and capacities.
In conclusion, Adesina called upon media leaders to champion Africa’s positive stories and serve as advocates for the continent’s progress.
