The media forum, organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, started on October 12, 2026, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The event brings together media stakeholders to discuss key issues affecting the industry. The forum's theme is "Media in Africa: Developing Connectivity and Innovation." The goal is to produce a charter that will serve as a guide for the development of the media industry in Africa.
The forum's opening session featured a panel discussion on "Media Governance: How to Regulate the Media Space While Encouraging Innovation and Cooperation." The panel was moderated by prominent media personalities, including Espérance Bayedila, Rector of the University of Information and Communication Sciences (UNISIC), Jasbey Zegbia, Secretary General of the National Union of Congolese Press (UNPC), and Patricia Huon, a Belgian journalist based in South Africa.
The two-day forum will feature six modules, covering various topics related to the media industry. The first day focused on press freedom and journalist safety, economic viability and media independence, disinformation and information integrity, artificial intelligence and the future of journalism, and inter-African collaboration and media networks.
On the second day, participants will discuss digital platforms and information sovereignty. The forum will also feature group discussions on different thematic areas related to information and media. These discussions are expected to culminate in the development of a media charter that will guide the growth of the industry in Africa.
According to Timo Roujean, Resident Representative of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the forum's objective is to produce a charter that will serve as a guide for the development of the media industry in Africa. The charter is expected to be finalized at the end of the two-day forum.
The media charter is expected to address key challenges facing the media industry in Africa, including press freedom, journalist safety, and media independence. It will also explore ways to promote innovation and cooperation in the industry.
The forum is attended by media stakeholders from across Africa, providing a platform for them to share experiences and expertise. The event is expected to contribute to the growth and development of the media industry in Africa, promoting a free and independent press.
Key points
- The media forum aims to produce a charter that will guide the development of the media industry in Africa.
- The forum will address key challenges facing the media industry, including press freedom, journalist safety, and media independence.
- The event brings together media stakeholders from across Africa to share experiences and expertise.
