In a significant call to action, a leading Moroccan media association has emphasized the urgent need for a robust, continent-wide network of African journalists. This initiative aims to fundamentally reshape how Africa’s stories are told, both within the continent and to the global audience.
Mohammed Daki, Vice President of Morocco’s National Association of Media and Publishers (ANME), made the appeal during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Casablanca. He argued that a fragmented media landscape prevents the continent from presenting a unified, authentic narrative.
“There is a critical need for African journalists to build a powerful, collaborative network,” Daki stated. “Only through such solidarity can we effectively tell Africa’s diverse stories—its challenges, innovations, cultures, and opportunities—to the world on our own terms.”
Daki’s comments were made in the context of a visiting delegation of African journalists to Morocco. He explained that such exchanges are a practical step toward strengthening pan-African media ties. Beyond fostering professional camaraderie, the visit served to showcase Morocco’s developmental strides and investment potential, a model for intra-continental knowledge sharing.
Shifting the Narrative Focus: From External to Internal
Daki highlighted a pivotal shift in perspective necessary for African media. “For years, our focus was predominantly directed outward, toward Europe and the West,” he noted. “While global engagement remains important, it is equally vital to ‘look inward’—to deepen our understanding and coverage of events, trends, and successes across our own continent.” This inward focus is seen as essential for fostering regional integration and a stronger sense of African identity.
He expressed a profound belief in the continent’s potential: “We believe in Africa. It is imperative that we, as media professionals, dedicate our best efforts to a continent brimming with abundant talent and untapped opportunity.”
The Role of ANME: A Case Study in Media Advocacy
The call for a network comes from an organization with a mandate to strengthen media from the ground up. ANME, the largest organization of media publishers in Morocco, was established to address systemic challenges. Its mission extends beyond simple representation; it actively tackles the sector’s economic crises, promotes journalistic professionalism, and advocates for structural media reforms.
Key to its work is a focus on good governance within media houses, the fight against disinformation, and initiatives to bolster the financial health and editorial independence of its members. ANME’s advocacy provides a concrete example of the kind of institutional support required to create a media environment where a strong journalistic network can thrive.
The Path Forward: Sustained Partnership and Shared Vision
Daki assured that the association’s initiative to bridge African journalists would continue. The goal is to move beyond one-off visits to a sustained partnership—a permanent framework for collaboration. Such a network could facilitate joint investigations, content sharing, training programs, and a unified voice on press freedom issues.
In essence, the appeal from Casablanca is more than a plea for connectivity; it is a strategic vision for African media to claim its narrative sovereignty. By building a powerful network, journalists can ensure the continent’s story is told with nuance, accuracy, and agency, countering outdated stereotypes and highlighting Africa’s role as a key player in the 21st century.
