MTN Group is rolling out the Pan-African Media Innovation Programme, expanding its journalist development efforts from Nigeria to media practitioners throughout Africa. The initiative is being delivered in partnership with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the African Editors Forum (TAEF).
First introduced in Nigeria in 2022, the programme offers a 12-week certified course that combines online lessons with hands-on, in-person sessions in Johannesburg. Participants will explore topics like digital transformation, journalism ethics and law, business sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the influence of emerging technologies on media. The programme also includes masterclasses, visits to newsrooms, and practical innovation projects to help participants apply what they learn in real-world settings.
This launch comes at a critical time for African media, as newsrooms face increasing challenges from misinformation, unstable funding, and the demands of digital audiences. Building stronger, more resilient media institutions also supports the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of inclusive and well-informed societies.
MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo said: “Africa’s digital future depends on both the infrastructure we build and the strength of the institutions that foster trust and accountability. Through the Pan-African MIP, we are investing in media capacity and innovation alongside respected academic and editorial partners.”
A UJ spokesperson noted that the programme balances academic excellence with practical newsroom experience: “Equipping journalists with the skills to navigate disruption and build sustainable models is critical for the future of the profession.”
An African Editors Forum representative emphasized the importance of independent media for democracy, saying: “Partnerships such as this provide a pathway to greater resilience, collaboration and trust.”
The programme’s expansion was marked by a visit from Nigerian journalists from the MIP Alumni Association, highlighting the shift from a national initiative to a continental platform. The first group of Pan-African participants is expected to begin training in 2026.
