AMC IV

The Africa Media Convention (AMC) stands as the premier continental gathering for media stakeholders, journalists, policymakers, academia, civil society, and technology experts dedicated to shaping the future of journalism and media in Africa. The 4th edition, to be hosted in the captivating city of Marrakech, Morocco, from May 29-31, 2025, by the AMC Steering Committee and Moroccan media stakeholders led by the National Press Union, provides a critical platform for media stakeholders to hold key dialogues and showcase promising interventions all with an end to scaling opportunities and learning mitigation.

The African media landscape is dynamic and complex, characterized by remarkable progress and persistent challenges. While facing increasing threats to press freedom, including censorship, intimidation, and restrictive legislation, African journalism has also witnessed a surge in innovative digital platforms and citizen journalism initiatives. The rise of modern technology has broadened and holds as yet underutilized potential for access to information and research for many, yet unequal access and limited knowledge of these technologies continue to perpetuate information inequalities. Financial sustainability remains a struggle for many media outlets, exacerbated by the dominance of social media platforms and the decline of traditional revenue streams. Despite these hurdles, African journalists are increasingly utilizing data journalism, investigative reporting, and AI-driven tools to hold power to account and inform their communities. The continent's media ecosystem is a vibrant space where diverse voices strive to be heard, playing a crucial role in shaping public discourse, fostering democratic values, and driving social change.

Under the Agenda 2063 development framework, the African Union, in collaboration and with the approval of the 55-member states has recognized the role of digital technologies as a catalyst for continental development, with the media being a critical enabling sector. The regulatory and policy recommendations in documents such as the African Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030), the Continental AI Strategy, and Resolution 522 on the Protection of Women Against Digital Violence in Africa provide guidance for African media to leverage new technologies to enhance access to information, press freedom, media sustainability, cyber security and data awareness, digital infrastructure, digital governance, skills development, and fair competition among others.

Under the timely theme, "AI, Press Freedom, and Access to Information: Navigating the Future of African Media," the convention will dissect how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming journalism, influencing press freedom, enabling access to information, and reshaping the information ecosystem across the continent. It will also explore how home-grown African frameworks on digital transformation and AI, support the media sector to address the challenges they face.

a) Deepen understanding of AI's impact by fostering informed dialogue on the multifaceted implications for African media, specifically focusing on its intersection with press freedom and access to information.
b) Foster understanding and implementation of African frameworks on digital transformation and AI
c) Critically evaluate factors impacting quality journalism and audience trust, including ethical practice, decolonization of news, and the long-term sustainability of impactful journalism.
d) Examine the legal and regulatory landscapes needed to effectively safeguard media freedom, media practice, and media resilience.
e) Identify and promote sustainable business models, encourage innovation, and support quality journalism in Africa.
f) Create a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, best practice dissemination, and collaboration among media professionals, governments, academia, civil society, and technology experts.
g) Advocate for enhanced adoption of AI in media and media education
h) Brainstorm on funding models for the AMC and provide networking opportunities with funders

The convention will feature keynote addresses, expert panels, interactive workshops, and a dynamic technology exhibition, focusing on:
a) Artificial Intelligence and Journalism
- AI’s transformative role in news production, dissemination, and audience engagement.
- Ethical dilemmas and AI biases in journalism, including algorithmic transparency and accountability.
- Navigating the complexities of regulating AI-driven journalism: challenges and best practices.
b) Press Freedom in the Digital Age
- AI’s impact on media freedoms, including the potential for government censorship and surveillance.
- Protecting journalists' sources and data privacy in the age of AI-driven surveillance.
- The role of continental and international frameworks and legal instruments in safeguarding press freedom.
c) Access to Information and Public Trust
- Combating AI-driven misinformation: navigating the rise of deep fakes, automated disinformation, and propaganda.
- The crucial role of independent media in ensuring public access to credible and verifiable information.
- Empowering citizens through media literacy and promoting digital rights in the information age.
d) Media Sustainability & Quality Journalism
- Developing sustainable business models for media organizations in the AI-driven economy.
- Exploring monetization strategies for African media in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
- Finding the balance between AI-powered journalism and human creativity, emphasizing the continued importance of human journalists.
e) Innovation, Learning & Collaboration
- Leveraging AI tools for investigative journalism, fact-checking, and data analysis.
- The crucial role of academia and research in fostering AI-media convergence and ethical development.
- Training journalists on AI applications, digital transformation, and the evolving skills needed for the future of media.

A dedicated exhibition space will showcase:
a) AI-driven journalism tools and technologies.
b) Startups and innovators developing cutting-edge digital media solutions.
c) Press freedom advocacy organizations and research institutions highlight their work.

The Local Organizing Committee is working to curate a rich cultural experience, including historical tours such as guided visits to iconic sites in Marrakech, showcasing the city's rich history and heritage, cultural performances showcasing traditional Moroccan music, poetry, art exhibitions, and other cultural expressions, and networking dinners and receptions for delegates to connect informally, exchange ideas, and build lasting professional relationships.

The AMC anticipates welcoming more than 500 participants from across Africa and beyond, including journalists and editors, media owners and executives, government & policy makers, academia & researchers, tech experts & ai developers, civil society organizations, and media development practitioners.
Expected Outcomes
- Adoption of the Marrakech Declaration on AI, Press Freedom, and Access to Information, outlining key principles and recommendations for the future of African media.
- Strengthened multi-stakeholder collaboration on AI and media sustainability, leading to concrete initiatives and partnerships.
- Enhanced media literacy initiatives and advocacy for responsible AI use in journalism, empowering citizens and promoting ethical practices.
- Clear way towards the sustainability of the AMC
The 4th Africa Media Convention will be a defining moment for African journalism, bringing together key players to address the complex interplay of AI, press freedom, and access to information. The conversations, collaborations, and outcomes of this convention will shape policies, build partnerships, and set the agenda for the future of media on the continent, ensuring that African media continues to thrive as a vital pillar of democracy, development, and human rights.