ai
Africa News Agency Launches Pan-African Media Fund at Accra Conference
Media leaders gathered in Accra for the second edition of Shaping the Future of African Media, announcing a new fund to support sustainable models and digital transitions. Discussions highlighted AI's role in African narratives amid global shifts. The event, organized by Africa News Agency, continues with masterclasses on April 30.
Apr 30, 5:49 PM·3m read3 sources
observer.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Media leaders and policymakers announced the launch of a fund dedicated to strengthening Pan-African media during an event in Accra, focusing on narrative sovereignty and economic power. Dounia Ben Mohamed, CEO of Africa News Agency, presented the initiative, which will prioritize the development of sustainable business models, support for digital and artificial intelligence transitions, and professional training programs for media professionals.
SherpAfrica, led by Idrissa Diabira, has been mandated to structure the fund and ensure its independence and long-term sustainability.
The announcement came at the second edition of Shaping the Future of African Media, organized by Africa News Agency on April 29 and 30, 2026, in Accra. AllAfrica reported that the event brought together media leaders, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, digital experts, communication professionals, and African creators.
Discussions centered on transforming African narratives into levers of economic power, global influence, and sovereignty.
Dounia Ben Mohamed opened the event and declared, 'If Africa is poorly told, Africa will continue to be undervalued,' before an audience of ministers, diplomats, media executives, and investors. Idrissa Diabira, founder and CEO of SherpAfrica, delivered a keynote address, stating that the battle over narratives has become both an economic and geopolitical battle.
He added, 'It is undervalued,' emphasizing the need to make African economic, cultural, and social realities visible to transform them into capital, influence, and power.
The event took place during a period of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and the growing influence of international digital platforms on global media. It highlighted the strategic role of African media in shaping the continent's image, strengthening its economic attractiveness, and reclaiming control over its narratives.
