African Journalists Tasked on Changing Continent’s Narrative

From Al-Mustapha A. Mustapha, Cairo African journalists have been urged to strengthen collaboration and build cross border professional networks to change negative stereotypes about the continent. This call was made at the closing of the 61st training session of the Union of African Journalists in Cairo, organised in partnership with Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media […]

From Al-Mustapha A. Mustapha, Cairo

African journalists have been urged to strengthen collaboration and build cross border professional networks to change negative stereotypes about the continent.

This call was made at the closing of the 61st training session of the Union of African Journalists in Cairo, organised in partnership with Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation, with participants drawn from across Africa, including Nigeria.

Counsellor Reem Hindi, a member of the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council, said the programme was designed to “equip journalists with intensive knowledge from top media experts.” She noted that the council was committed to providing “all resources necessary for professional growth.”

Editor-in-Chief of Al-Ahram Weekly, Ezzat Ibrahim, explained that the union deliberately engaged high-level experts to enrich the trainees’ experience. “African journalism can only play its vital role through cooperation, solidarity, and networks that defend the truth and elevate journalists’ status,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating journalists, Sami Ben Nabil from Tunisia said the programme created an opportunity to challenge stereotypes about Africa.

“Strengthening the capacity of soldiers of words and media is key to confronting challenges facing the continent,” he added.

He further noted that the sessions, which ran for three weeks, covered issues such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, protection of journalists, human rights, and the role of soft power in correcting Africa’s image.

Participants also commended Egypt’s development efforts, especially the New Administrative Capital, which they described as a model for other African countries. They said visits to historic and cultural sites in Cairo provided a rare learning experience.

A Nigerian journalist also took part in the training, with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) commended for its continued partnership with continental bodies in pushing for a stronger African media voice.