Address Developmental Challenges through collaborative efforts

The 9th Africa Conference on Development Journalism organized by the Africa Media Development Foundation with the theme, “Media, Inclusive Development: A Call to Action”, has ended with a strong call that Africa’s inclusive growth will remain a mirage unless media amplify marginalized voices, deepen accountability and embrace modern story-telling tools that bridge widening information gaps across the continent.
The position which was contained in a Communique also called for an urgent for Africa to rethink the role of the media in shaping a future that is inclusive, secure and people oriented.
The global communication order still sidelines African perspective, making it imperative for the continent to tell Its story through Its own lenses.
The media should discard sensationalism for solution journalism to create more constructive public discourse and empower communities towards solving social issues.
On the prevailing insecurity, poverty and gender inequality especially in the North as well as institutional fragility and issues of corruption in the country as a whole,the conference advanced the need for transparent strategic communication which is a tool for social change.
It added that the nation must intentionally create opportunities where young people are not merely beneficiaries but co-creators, co-leaders and architects of development.
The media must expand its lenses to capture the full spectrum of the youths’ experience and not sensational headlines that portray young people as perpetrators of crime.
Journalists’ mental health must be prioritized, with training on trauma management and mental health support; recognizing the traumatic nature of their work and the need for resilience-building strategies to mitigate the impact of stress and trauma.
It further Advocated for strong collaboration between the media, universities, government, and civil society to address development challenges and promote transparency and accountability.
Funding for media organizations should be transparent to enable editorial independence, strengthen public trust, and support sustainable development across African countries.