African Journalists and content producers across the continent and abroad have been challenged to be at the forefront of the drive to redefine Africa's own narrative and contribute actively in the implementation of the AU Agenda 2063.
The journalists need to sharpen their skills and deepen their understanding of the African Union, its journey, and progress on the continent in a bid to position themselves to help root out stereotypical narratives that African people suffer.
The call was echoed by Wynne Musabayana, Head of Communication division at the African Union Commission as she officiated the second phase of the AU Media Fellowship programme, which kicked off Monday 03 October 2022, at the AU headquarters in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa.
A group of 15 African journalists and content producers from 14 African countries have been participating in the one-year long fellowship programme jointly implemented by the AU and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Under the first phase of the programme, fellows were sent on a two-week International Study Trip to Germany held between June 15 and July 1. The fellows attended the DW Global Media Forum where they exchanged with and learn from other media professionals, decision-makers and influencers in politics, education, culture, civil society, among others.
Guided by trainers and mentors, the fellows are scheduled to further explore ways to shape new and balanced discourse about Africa as the continent strives to define its own narrative under the AU Agenda 2063
"As African people and as African journalists or communicators, are we not tired of responding with anger to those stereotypical stories that we get? If we are tired then the question is what are we going to do about it? Are we going to wait for outside news agencies to promote our own narrative?" inquired Musabayana in her address.
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"It is no one's responsibility but our own to make sure that we bring ourselves up to the standards where we produce stories that contribute to the narrative of a continent that is taking charge of its own destiny, a continent that is realizing successes in terms of its stated vision and goals, a continent that is facing challenges, no doubt... but with plans to mitigate and overcome those challenges," she added.
Over the next two weeks, the fellows are expected to undergo series of trainings on mobile journalism production, followed by engagements with the African Union leadership, all of which are designed to further upskill the journalists and build their capacities to be at the forefront of reframing narratives about the continent and contribute its development.
The AU Media Fellowship is designed to provide a unique platform for African journalists and content producers to enhance their capacity to reframe the African narrative and ensure that stories about the continent are balanced and reflects the experiences of Africans in compelling and creative ways.
Written by Johnson Kanamugire, AU Media Fellow 2022
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