A training program for 19 journalists from francophone African countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Mauritanie, and République de Guinée, concluded on October 22 in Cairo, Egypt. The program, which was organized by the Supreme Council for Media Organization in Egypt, aimed to enhance the skills of journalists in the region. The closing ceremony was attended by Essam el Amir, Vice-President of the Supreme Council, and other officials.
During the ceremony, Essam el Amir encouraged the journalists to share their experiences and observations about Egypt, gained during their training, through their media outlets. He emphasized the importance of telling African stories in their own words and maintaining a network of exchange among themselves. El Amir also expressed his hope for strengthened relations between Egypt and the participating countries, highlighting the need for collaboration in various fields, including communication and information.
The journalists had spent time exploring Egypt, discovering its iconic landmarks, and learning about its rich history and culture. Thiam Djenabou Barry, a representative of the participants, praised the organization of the training and the new knowledge acquired. She noted that the participants had gained a deeper understanding of Egypt, moving beyond common knowledge of its pyramids and pharaohs to appreciate its millennial heritage and rapid development.
Barry also reflected on the key takeaways from the training, including the importance of journalistic rigor, cultural competence, and responsibility in conducting debates. She emphasized that the participants' countries need credible media outlets and competent professionals to address the challenges posed by technological mutations, disinformation, and growing public expectations.
The training program covered various aspects of journalism, including the use of artificial intelligence and the demands of working in a rapidly changing media landscape. The participants were awarded certificates upon completion of the program, which was attended by officials from the Supreme Council for Media Organization, including Conseillère Rim Hendy and Mme Amal, Director-General of the Center for Training and Studies.
The program aimed to foster a network of journalists from francophone African countries, enabling them to share experiences and best practices. The participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn from each other and from Egyptian media professionals. The training program was designed to enhance the skills and competencies of journalists in the region, ultimately contributing to the development of more credible and effective media outlets.
The conclusion of the training program marks a significant milestone in the efforts to strengthen media capacities in francophone African countries. The participants are expected to return to their countries and apply the skills and knowledge gained during the program, contributing to the growth of a more informed and engaged public.
Key points
- Journalists from 5 African countries complete media training in Cairo
- Training aimed to enhance skills and promote exchange among journalists
- Program concluded with a ceremony attended by Egyptian officials
