By Chibuzor Alli
African countries have been urged to strengthen their state media institutions, invest in modern technology and build professional communication capacity to improve the continent’s representation in international affairs.
The call was made during a meeting in Abuja between the Founder and Chief Executive of Media Diplomacy Studies, Dr Mkpe Abang, and Botswana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Philda Kereng.
The discussions focused on Africa’s position in the changing global information landscape and the need for stronger media institutions capable of communicating the continent’s perspectives, achievements and aspirations to international audiences.
According to a statement by Abang, Kereng stressed that African countries needed to take greater responsibility for telling their own stories rather than relying on external accounts that could present incomplete or distorted portrayals of the continent.
The meeting highlighted the importance of building credible communication systems that allow African countries to participate more effectively in global discussions about their political, economic and social development.
Investment in media seen as key to global influence
Kereng emphasised the need for deliberate public policies, sustained institutional investment and technological development to improve the performance of African state media in international diplomacy.
The statement noted that stronger media institutions would require investment in professional expertise, technological infrastructure and strategic communication capabilities.
Such investments, it said, could help African media organisations communicate the continent’s positions more effectively and respond to misleading narratives.
The discussions also reflected wider concerns about Africa’s ability to influence how international audiences understand developments across the continent.
Abang said the meeting reinforced the view that credible and professionally managed state media could support national image projection and international influence when backed by strong institutions and clear strategic objectives.
Book launch, Diplomacy Day scheduled for November
The meeting also addressed preparations for the national presentation of Abang’s book, Weapons of Mass Manipulation: State Media, Global Influence and the New Diplomacy of Power.
The presentation will coincide with the inauguration of the Annual Diplomacy Day, with both events scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2026, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja under the auspices of Media Diplomacy Studies.
According to the statement, the Botswana High Commission indicated its willingness to participate in the events.
During the meeting, Abang presented Kereng with an advance, personally autographed copy of the book.
Africa’s communication capacity under scrutiny
Abang said the continent’s ability to shape international perceptions would depend not only on its achievements but also on how effectively and credibly those achievements were communicated.
The argument places institutional capacity, professional standards and technological investment at the centre of efforts to strengthen Africa’s voice in international affairs.
For African governments, the challenge is to develop media institutions capable of presenting national and continental perspectives while maintaining the credibility needed to earn the trust of international audiences.
The discussions in Abuja therefore underscored the importance of stronger media institutions in Africa’s efforts to influence global conversations and communicate its development priorities more effectively.
Leave a comment