West Africa Media and Development Conference Kicks Off in Abuja

The third edition of the West Africa Media and Development Conference (MDC 3.0) is underway in Abuja, bringing together approximately 300 journalists, policymakers, researchers, diplomats, and technology leaders from across more than a dozen African countries.

In his opening remarks at the conference on Monday, Dapo Olorunyomi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and Publisher of PREMIUM TIMES, underscored that Africa is approaching a pivotal decade. This period will be crucial in determining whether the continent can shape its own digital destiny or will remain vulnerable to escalating democratic, developmental, and data-governance challenges.

In her keynote address, Juana Kweitel, Luminate Group Vice President and Chief Programmes Officer, emphasized the necessity for collective action, innovation, and accountability as the media grapples with both challenges and opportunities on the horizon. Kweitel’s call to action resonated with attendees eager to navigate the rapidly changing media landscape.

Premium Times Editor-in-Chief Musikilu Mojeed added to the dialogue, advocating for the development of a national mobile application in Nigeria. This app aims to provide victims and eyewitnesses of kidnappings, robberies, and other attacks with a platform to report incidents confidentially and without fear of interference.

The discussions at MDC 3.0 are expected to delve into various themes, including the future of journalism in Africa, the role of technology in enhancing media practices, and strategies for building robust democratic frameworks through responsible reporting.

As the conference unfolds, participants will explore potential solutions and collaborative efforts to strengthen the media landscape across West Africa while positioning the continent as a dynamic player in the global digital arena.

With its rich array of speakers and topics, MDC 3.0 stands as a testament to Africa’s commitment to advancing media and development amidst complexities that continue to challenge the region.

By Omer Aden
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.