Accra will host the second edition of Shaping the Future of African Media on 29‑30 April 2026 at the GI‑KACE conference centre. The two‑day pan‑African forum, organised by Africa News Agency (ANA), will bring together media executives, journalists, economists, business leaders, public officials, investors and creators to discuss how African narratives can serve as economic levers and tools of sovereignty.
The event arrives as the global media landscape undergoes rapid change, driven by digital platforms, new content formats and the dominance of large international players. African media outlets are increasingly viewed not only as information providers but also as strategic actors capable of shaping the continent’s image, attracting investment and influencing global discourse.
A high‑level programme will feature panels, interviews and discussions on monetisation, innovation, artificial intelligence, regulation, influence and emerging business models. Key speakers include Akwasi Opong‑Fosu, former Ghanaian Minister of State and Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre; Idrissa Diabira, founder and CEO of SherpAfrica; Hamadou Tidiane Sy, CEO of Ouestaf and founder of E‑jicom School; James Munyaneza, Managing Director and Editor‑in‑Chief of The New Times Rwanda; Adam Djibrine, Consul of Chad to Ghana; and Ekow Quandzie, Head of PR at Global Media Alliance. Experts in economic intelligence, strategic communication and audiovisual production will join them to explore how African stories can be turned into economic assets and instruments of global influence.
A central focus of the forum is the need to build more independent, resilient media organisations. Many African outlets still rely on fragile business models and funding tied to political or economic interests. Organisers say a new generation of media entrepreneurs is reshaping the sector by adopting innovative models, investing in technology and launching ambitious editorial platforms.
“The Kigali gathering last year marked the start of a structured dialogue on the future of media,” said Dounia Ben Mohamed, CEO of ANA and ANASchool. “In Accra we continue that work, aiming to strengthen independent, innovative media that can use African narratives as a strategic lever for influence, development and sovereignty.”
The conference will also offer free masterclasses for registered participants. These practical sessions will cover digital content production, editorial strategy, monetisation and the use of AI tools, targeting journalists, content creators and media professionals. Organisers hope the workshops will foster collaboration, open funding opportunities and accelerate the development of a pan‑African media ecosystem capable of delivering narratives that match the continent’s ambitions.
Practical information
- Venue: GI‑KACE, Accra, Ghana
- Dates: 29–30 April 2026
- Masterclasses: free on registration (anamediaforum2026@africa-news-agency.com)
Shaping the Future of African Media is part of ANA’s broader effort to support a stronger, more independent African press. Founded in 2015, ANA operates 11 offices across Africa and Europe, employs over 40 correspondents and distributes multilingual content in French, English and Arabic. In January 2026 the agency opened a new office in Accra, positioning the city as its secondary headquarters and reinforcing its role in the evolving African media landscape.
