The 7th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in the Field of Media opened in Beijing on Thursday, bringing together African and Chinese media professionals to discuss the future of audiovisual cooperation amid rapid digital and technological transformation.
Held under the theme “Sharing Development Opportunities, Shaping the Future of Audiovisual Media,” the forum focused on the opportunities and challenges created by digitalisation and artificial intelligence in the media sector.
Africa urged to embrace artificial intelligence
Speaking at the forum, Grégoire Ndjaka, Director-General of the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), highlighted the importance of strengthening long-term cooperation between African countries and China, particularly in the training of media professionals.
He noted that the global media industry is undergoing a major digital and technological transformation, making skills development increasingly important.
“Through the media, we can showcase our culture. This is why Chinese culture is also becoming better known in Africa,” Ndjaka said, describing media cooperation with China as one of the most important areas of partnership currently taking place on the continent.
He also pointed to the growing number of African journalists receiving training in China and across Africa.
Earlier this year, for example, the AUB organised a training programme in Banjul, The Gambia, focused on using artificial intelligence to produce media content. Around 60 journalists took part.
AI seen as a tool for Africa’s development
For Ndjaka, Africa cannot afford to remain on the sidelines of the artificial intelligence revolution.
“Africa must embrace artificial intelligence because, for us, it is a shortcut to development,” he said, stressing the need for African media organisations to develop the expertise required to master and use the technology effectively.
The development of AI is increasingly transforming journalism, from content production and translation to data analysis and digital broadcasting. For African media organisations, access to training and technology remains a key challenge.
Strengthening China-Africa media ties
The Beijing forum brought together numerous African representatives who shared their views and recommendations on the achievements and future direction of China-Africa media cooperation.
Discussions focused particularly on how media organisations can adapt to the digital era while using new technologies to expand cooperation, promote cultural exchange and support development.
The meeting also highlighted the role of media in strengthening mutual understanding between China and African countries, with participants examining ways to deepen cooperation in training, technology and audiovisual production.
As digital transformation accelerates, the forum provided an opportunity for African and Chinese media professionals to explore new forms of partnership and consider how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, can contribute to the future of the continent’s media industry.
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