MTN Ghana in a significant step towards empowering journalists and promoting media excellence in Africa, MTN Group has launched the Pan-African Media Innovation Programme (MIP) in partnership with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the African Editors Forum (TAEF).
This continental initiative aims to equip journalists with the skills, tools, and networks required to navigate the rapidly changing information environment and promote quality journalism across Africa.
The media landscape in Africa is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements, changing audience behaviors, and the rise of disinformation. In this context, there is a pressing need for media innovation that can help journalists and media organizations adapt to these changes and continue to play their critical role in promoting democracy, accountability, and transparency.
The Pan-African MIP is designed to address this need by providing a comprehensive 12-week programme that combines online academic modules with in-person immersion in Johannesburg.
The programme will focus on key areas such as digital transformation, sustainability of independent media, ethics and law, entrepreneurship, and the impact of emerging technologies on the information ecosystem.
The programme is a collaboration between MTN Group, the University of Johannesburg, and the African Editors Forum. These partnerships will ensure that the programme is rooted in academic rigor and responsive to the realities of newsrooms. The University of Johannesburg will provide academic expertise, while the African Editors Forum will bring editorial expertise and promote collaboration among media professionals.
The Pan-African MIP is expected to have a significant impact on the media industry in Africa. By equipping journalists with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly changing environment, the programme will help promote quality journalism and strengthen media resilience across the continent. This, in turn, will contribute to the development of more informed and engaged citizens, which is essential for democratic governance and sustainable development.
Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, said, “Africa’s digital future depends on both the infrastructure we build and the strength of the institutions that foster trust and accountability. Through the Pan-African MIP, we are investing in media capacity and innovation alongside respected academic and editorial partners.”
The UJ spokesperson added, “Our partnership ensures that the programme is rooted in academic rigour while responsive to the realities of newsrooms. Equipping journalists with the skills to navigate disruption and build sustainable models is critical for the future of the profession.”
The African Editors Forum spokesperson said, “Independent media are indispensable to democratic governance, and partnerships such as this provide a pathway to greater resilience, collaboration, and trust.”
The launch of the Pan-African MIP marks a significant milestone in the development of media innovation in Africa. The first cohort of fellows will begin in 2026, and the programme is expected to make a positive impact on the media industry across the continent. With its focus on practical skills, academic rigor, and industry relevance, the Pan-African MIP is well-positioned to promote quality journalism and strengthen media resilience in Africa.
