The African Media Initiative (AMI), the African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALT) and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a new group of skilled reporters specialized in covering the ICT sector.
The project aims to train over 200 journalists on the coverage and analysis of ICT information, peace and conflict on the continent.
The purpose of the project is to ensure media coverage that is knowledgeable and integrates evidence-based knowledge. It also aims to produce data that can be used to make policies in areas such as employment, poverty reduction and overall economic policy.
AMI’s Chief Executive Officer Eric Chinje in his speech during the signing with the telecommunication organizations said “This project is a first of its kind and one of many such training projects that AMI will conduct as part of an effort to narrow the gap between media content and Africa’s development agenda. Journalists who go through this training will be able to enrich national and regional dialogues on ICT policy to influence broader development on the continent.”
At least 3 reporters will be selected from each of the 54 African countries over the next three years. These reporters will undergo training and become part of a professional network and continental community of practice. These journalists will have experts in the ICT sector within their reach which will improve their ability to collate and analyze ICT data and render reports that are palatable and digestible by all levels of media consumers.
According to AFRALTI Director Eustace Maborake “AFRALTI is excited at the opportunity of this tripartite arrangement, which seeks to develop the human capacity within the journalist fraternity in Africa for the sole purpose of telling our own ICT story, the way it is.”
To make enquiries about the project and to arrange interviews with African median initiative (AMI) officials,. contact Justus Machio Tel: +254700857024 or send an email to jmachio@africanmediainitiative.org
