Media, storytellers, entrepreneurs gather for pioneering Kenya festival
Nairobi
After two groundbreaking editions, the Africa Media Festival (AMF) is back for a third, bringing together media practitioners, creative entrepreneurs, technologists and storytellers from across the continent.
More than just a festival, AMF, on 26 and 27 February, is a gathering place for ideas to find momentum, voices to take centre stage, and connections made to extend far beyond the event.
Proudly convened by Baraza Media Lab, Africa’s platform for media practitioners and creatives to share resources and learn, the event actively encourages experimentation and co-creation, fostering an environment where professionals can push the boundaries.
It is from this spirit of collaboration and innovation that the AMF was born: to showcase groundbreaking ideas and inspire a brighter future for African media.
The AMF 2025 theme, ‘Bridging Gaps, Connecting Media Futures’, is a call to action for a more inclusive, innovative and connected media ecosystem. It aims to address the disparities and barriers – geographic, cultural, technological or generational – that limit the potential of African media.
These divides must be bridged to ensure every voice is heard, every story is told, and every perspective is valued.
The AMF envisions a media ecosystem where the rural TikTok creator shares the spotlight with seasoned journalists, and where the unsung heroes behind the scenes are celebrated alongside the stars
By shining a light on those who have been overlooked and by fostering working together across disciplines, it aims to create a future where innovation thrives, and media truly serves all.
Eunice Kilonzo, Manager of Media Relations and Strategic Communications at Gavi in Geneva, says ‘what the Africa Media Festival does, is bring all these creatives, resources and people, who we would otherwise only be reading about and seeing in newspapers,’ in one place.
‘I think that’s a huge power, you know, the convening power that the Africa Media Festival has. I’ve met colleagues, peers, and mentors I would never have thought I would get to speak to face to face. And I think that is transformative.’
Wale Lawal, Founder of The Republic in Nigeria, sees the festival as ‘gold’.
‘Being in media can feel pretty insular, so [it’s] a chance to break out of your bubble, see what’s happening in other regions, and connect with other media practitioners. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get a pulse on the overall media landscape in Africa.’
Among the discussions will be:
- ‘Who Owns Your News? African digital media in the age of foreign influence’, with Kenyan expert on social media, digital transformation, Mark Kaigwa
- ‘Speaking the Language: How Pidgin English is fighting misinformation in West Africa’, with award-winning Nigerian journalist and data enthusiast Hannah Ajakaiye
- ‘Humans, in Crisis: Establishing an ethical framework for humanitarian journalism’, with The New Humanitarian journalists Patrick Gathara and Obi Anyadike and The Guardian‘s Caroline Kimeu, and
- ‘Stringer, Fixer, Colleague?: The unsung heroes of international reporting’, with German multimedia journalist Birte Mensing, Kenyan filmmaker and news producer Evelyn Kahungu, German correspondent for Der Spiegel Heiner Hoffmann and Nigerian content creator and documentary filmmaker Dan Ikpoyi
Also read: ‘The New Humanitarian’ at 30 asks vital ethical questions of mainstream media’, here
Building upon the momentum of its inaugural theme, ‘Re-imagine Media’, AMF 2024 boldly stepped forward with ,What’s Next in Media? – a forward-looking approach which served a dual purpose.
It celebrated achievements and groundbreaking ideas already transforming the African media landscape. More importantly, it provided a platform to dream big and set the stage for the disruptive innovations that will define the future.
The AMF returns to its preferred venue of the Nairobi National Museum, which combines Kenya’s cultural richness with an environment that encourages genuine interaction. The museum’s layout, featuring open spaces, inviting nooks, and a serene, green atmosphere, makes it a perfect setting.
- Read more about the programme and the speakers at AMF2025, here
- Read the report about the 2024 Festival here
