By Hannah Dadzie
The 59th edition of the Young African Journalists Workshop is currently taking place in Cairo, Egypt. Organized by the Union of African Journalists and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, this event aims to enhance journalistic skills, foster cross-border collaboration, and promote professional development among young reporters from across the continent.
The three-week workshop brings together 13 participants from various African countries, offering them a platform to engage in training sessions and discussions on critical topics such as multimedia journalism, media ethics, and the evolving challenges of news coverage. Among the key issues explored are energy in Africa, cyber and media security, public opinion in the digital age, protecting journalists in conflict zones, and utilizing artificial intelligence on mobile devices.
At the opening ceremony, President of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, Mr. Karam Gabr emphasized Egypt’s deep connection with Africa, stressing the importance of strengthening economic ties and promoting development across the continent. He urged the young journalists to play a crucial role in shaping Africa’s narrative by highlighting its rich cultural heritage, economic potential, and the challenges it faces.
“Look at what’s happening in Egypt, there are significant projects here, and we hope this experience is shared with other African countries.” He noted
Mr Gabr further emphasized the vital role that young African journalists play in shaping the future of media across the continent.
A representative from Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mohamed Ali reiterated the country’s longstanding support for other African nations. He expressed hope that the training would offer valuable experiences to participants, encouraging them to seize the opportunity to help craft a more accurate and positive African story.
A member of the Technical Secretariat of the Union of African Journalists, Mr. Ezzat Ibrahim highlighted the importance of the program, noting that more than 2,500 journalists have benefited from it over the years. He commended the continued collaboration of various entities that have contributed to its success.
This year’s workshop coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Union of African Journalists, underscoring the organization’s longstanding commitment to strengthening media cooperation and cultural exchange across Africa. The course addresses development-focused media and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on African journalism.
The participants, from Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, Kenya, Morocco, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Congo, Chad, and Egypt, will gain valuable insights into how media can be used as a tool for democracy, development, and fostering understanding among African nations.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, the workshop organizers hope to equip these young journalists with the skills necessary to navigate today’s fast-paced, digital news environment and effectively contribute to the continent’s media future.
