MTN Launches Pan-African Media Innovation Programme to Strengthen African Storytelling

MTN  has launched the first cohort of its Pan-African Media Innovation Programme, bringing together journalists, media practitioners and content creators from across the continent to explore the evolving role of media in shaping perceptions and strengthening connections between African societies.

The programme is designed to equip media professionals with skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing industry influenced by artificial intelligence, digital platforms, changing audience behaviour and emerging business models.

MTN is delivering the initiative in partnership with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and The African Editors Forum (TAEF), with the programme focused on strengthening the capacity of fellows to tell African stories to global audiences through an authentic African perspective.

The inaugural cohort was hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, where participants also engaged with South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille.

During the engagement, De Lille challenged media practitioners to move beyond conventional reporting and consider how storytelling can contribute to combating fake news and propaganda. She also highlighted the role of the media in promoting tourism across Africa.

The programme reflects MTN’s broader efforts to support initiatives that build professional capacity, foster unity across the continent and promote credible African storytelling at a time when the media landscape is undergoing significant technological and commercial changes.