Africa Media Festival 2025
The Nairobi National Museum transformed into a center of media innovation on February 26th and 27th, hosting the third annual Africa Media Festival. The event brought together hundreds of media professionals from across Africa, all focused on the future of media across the continent.
The festival’s central theme, "Bridging Gaps, Connecting Media Futures," resonated throughout the day, serving as a powerful call to action for a more inclusive, innovative, and connected media ecosystem. This theme, which also guided the 2025 festival, drove conversations on critical issues facing the industry. Attendees tackled the pressing need to bridge geographic, cultural, technological, and generational divides, to create a media world in which every voice is heard, every story is told, and every voice counts.
“We envision 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,” organizers stated. “By shining a light on those who have been overlooked and by fostering collaboration across disciplines, we aim to create a future where innovation thrives, and media truly serves all.”
Among the event's best moments was an inspiring session discussing the power of podcasting to shift perceptions and build inclusive media spaces. Alan Herbert, presenter of the Signs TV breakfast show and speaker at the event, launched an insightful examination of representation, digital literacy, and talent building in podcasting with his provocative question, "How do we create a supportive ecosystem for authentic voices?"
Influencer marketing in the future of East Africa was one of the key areas of contention. Marketing and communications manager at Baraza, Lisa Muchangi, shared insights from Baraza Media Lab and Wowzi research which demonstrated a strong shift towards engagement and trust above and beyond numbers.
“The future of influencer marketing isn’t a one-man show. It’s a symphony—of trust, expertise & community,” she emphasized, referencing the rising role of creators who get back to their communities as opposed to traditional celebrity endorsement.
The festival also provided the attendees with an opportunity to try out new technologies. The participants learned by direct exposure to real AI tools, learning the art of questioning, and discovering how to future-proof their careers in the constantly changing media field.
“As internet penetration increases, more people will engage with long-form content like podcasts. That shift will bring new opportunities,” said Mwafreeka, a podcaster from the “Iko Nini Podcast,” highlighting the growing potential of the medium.
The Africa Media Festival concluded with demonstrable success, having facilitated critical networking and initiated essential dialogues for the advancement of media across Africa. The event effectively showcased the continent's commitment to cultivating a transformative, inclusive, and future-oriented media sector. Furthermore, it firmly established the foundation for the continued strategic focus on 'Bridging Gaps, Connecting Media Futures' in the forthcoming 2025 iteration.
PHOTO COURTESY; AFRICAMEDIAFESTIVAL
Tags: AssistALL
