Broadcasters, media executives, regulators, and technology experts from across West Africa will meet in Accra, Ghana, on September 22 and 23, 2026, to deliberate on the future of broadcasting amid rapid technological changes driven by artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital media while also providing senior broadcasting professionals and electronic media practitioners with a platform to exchange knowledge, explore emerging technologies, and brainstorm on strategic and operational issues affecting the industry.
The two-day Broadcasters Convention West Africa 2026, scheduled to take place at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, is expected to bring together key players in the broadcasting industry to examine emerging trends, technological innovations, and policy issues shaping the future of radio and television across the region.
Organised by Broadcast Media Africa (BMA), the annual convention will provide a platform for broadcasters, communications regulators, content producers, technology providers, and policymakers to discuss strategies for adapting to a rapidly changing media landscape marked by declining traditional revenues, shifting audience preferences, and increasing competition from global digital streaming platforms.
According to the organisers, discussions at this year’s convention will focus on the growing application of AI in broadcasting, newsroom automation, cloud-based production and content distribution, audience measurement, content monetisation, cybersecurity, and the protection of digital content.
Participants are also expected to examine how broadcasters can harness emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency, expand audience reach, and develop sustainable business models in an increasingly digital environment.
Speaking ahead of the convention, BMA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Benjamin Pius, noted that the event was coming at a critical period for the broadcasting industry, which is undergoing profound transformation driven by technological innovation and changing consumer behaviour, adding that the convention would provide an opportunity for industry stakeholders to share experiences, explore innovative solutions and strengthen regional collaboration in addressing common challenges facing broadcasters across West Africa.
He said: “The broadcasting industry is experiencing unprecedented changes. Broadcasters must continually innovate, embrace new technologies and forge strategic partnerships if they are to remain relevant and competitive in today’s media ecosystem.”
The convention will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, case studies, and technology exhibitions highlighting recent developments in broadcast technology, digital content production, and media innovation.
Industry experts are expected to explore the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, including its application in content creation, newsroom workflows, audience analytics, and personalised content delivery, while also considering the ethical implications of AI deployment in journalism and broadcasting.
Other issues on the agenda include digital migration, infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, spectrum management, regional content production, media sustainability, and investment opportunities in Africa’s broadcasting sector.
The organisers said the event would also offer participants opportunities to establish new partnerships, exchange ideas and explore business opportunities aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of broadcasters in the sub-region.
The convention comes as broadcasters across West Africa continue to grapple with significant challenges, including declining advertising revenues, rising operational costs, audience migration to digital platforms, and the growing influence of global streaming services.
At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and mobile broadband are creating new opportunities for innovation, content distribution, and audience engagement.
Participants are expected from broadcasting organisations, communications regulatory authorities, government institutions, technology companies, equipment manufacturers, academic institutions, and development organisations from across West Africa and beyond.
The Broadcasters Convention has become one of the region’s leading industry forums, bringing together stakeholders to discuss policy, technology, and business issues affecting the future of broadcasting in Africa.
