African media houses must move quickly to embrace digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) if they are to remain relevant in an era of rapidly evolving audience habits and technological disruption, Chinese media experts have said.
Speaking at a high-level media innovation forum that brought together journalists and editors from across Africa, Asia, and Europe, the experts emphasized that traditional media models can no longer keep pace with the digital-first consumption patterns of younger audiences.
The event highlighted the need for African media to invest in AI-powered tools for news gathering, fact-checking, content distribution, and audience engagement. Key sessions demonstrated how automation and machine learning can help newsrooms optimize workflows, improve accuracy, and personalize content for readers.
“Audiences today want news in real time, on their mobile devices, and in formats they can interact with. Artificial intelligence is no longer optional — it is a necessity for modern journalism,” said one of the keynote speakers from China Media Group.
Participants also discussed the challenges African newsrooms face, including limited funding for digital transformation, inadequate internet infrastructure in rural areas, and the need to train journalists in emerging technologies to avoid job losses and misinformation risks.
Tanzanian media executives welcomed the forum, saying it offered practical solutions that could be applied locally. Some proposed regional partnerships between African and Chinese media organizations to share technical expertise, co-produce digital content, and develop affordable AI-driven newsroom solutions.
The event concluded with a call for African governments, donors, and media owners to create policies and funding models that support innovation-friendly ecosystems, ensuring that the continent’s media remains independent, sustainable, and competitive in the global information economy.
