The AfroMedia Initiative for Journalism and Media has successfully concluded its highly anticipated training course for Sudanese media professionals, journalists, and broadcasters.
The course, held in Egypt and organized under the auspices of Daily News Africa, was named in honor of the late Mohamed Mounir, a respected Egyptian journalist who passed away in February.
Mounir, who worked at Al-Gomhuria newspaper, was known for his dedication to journalism, particularly his contributions to covering African affairs and his unwavering commitment to the relationship between Egypt and Africa.
The training aimed to advance the skills of Sudanese media professionals in areas such as digital journalism and artificial intelligence (AI), equipping them with tools and knowledge to better navigate the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Hassan Ghazaly, an anthropology researcher, international activist, and founder of the AfroMedia Initiative, emphasized that the course was completely free for participants.
Ghazaly expressed that the course was a fitting tribute to Mohamed Mounir’s legacy, as he had spent his life strengthening the media’s role in fostering Africa’s image, especially in relation to Egypt’s position within the continent.
Mounir’s patriotism and profound impact on African journalism inspired the decision to name the course after him.
His work throughout his career was marked by a dedication to shedding light on the connections between Egypt and other African countries, particularly those in the Global South.
The three-day course covered a wide range of topics, with lectures led by some of the most distinguished figures in the journalism and media sectors.
On the first day, journalist Ahmed Mahmoud, Managing Editor of Ahram Online English, presented a session on Digital Journalism.
Mahmoud discussed the growing importance of digital platforms in reaching wider audiences and the changing dynamics of news consumption. Following Mahmoud, Mohamed Samir, the Editor-in-Chief of Daily News Africa, spoke about "The Experience of Ahram Online and Daily News Africa," sharing insights on how these media outlets have leveraged digital tools to enhance their journalistic output and engage readers across the globe.
Dr. Ayman Adly, Head of the Training and Education Committee at the Media Syndicate and a member of the African Journalists Union, rounded off day one with a lecture on "The Key Attributes of a Good Media Professional," emphasizing the importance of ethics, credibility, and skill in media practice.
The second day focused on the integration of technology into journalism. Investigative journalist Mohamed Magdy Abouzeid, known for his work in digital media, led a session on "Using Artificial Intelligence to Detect Misinformation in Images and Videos."
Abouzeid’s presentation underscored the growing challenge of combating misinformation and how AI tools can aid journalists in verifying the authenticity of visual content.
Later, Mohamed Al-Mamlouk, Editor-in-Chief of Cairo 24, shared his experience on "The Experience of Using Artificial Intelligence in Journalism," offering practical examples of AI applications in media outlets and the impact of these technologies on editorial workflows and audience engagement.
The final day of the course highlighted AI’s role in creative media. Dr. Osama Al-Qadi, a journalist with vast experience in media training and university teaching, presented "AI Tools in Media Content Creation." Dr. Al-Qadi demonstrated how journalists can use AI to streamline content creation processes, from generating story ideas to editing and enhancing visuals. To close the course, Iman Al-Warraqi, an international trainer and the founder of the Artificial Intelligence Revolution Initiative, led a session on "AI Creativity: Strategies and Techniques for Innovative Content Creation." Al-Warraqi’s session inspired participants to explore new possibilities in media production, leveraging AI to produce more innovative and engaging content.
Ghazaly noted that the course generated several key recommendations from the Sudanese media professionals who attended.
These recommendations included strengthening relations between Egypt and Sudan, particularly through media, and fostering educational and cultural exchanges that protect youth from cultural invasion.
The experts emphasized the importance of integrating local cultural content into educational curricula to enhance national identity and pride. Furthermore, there was a consensus on the need to encourage local artists and writers to create works that reflect cultural values and inspire young people.
Other significant proposals included establishing an online platform to connect scholars, media professionals, and communities in the Nile Valley region, facilitating cross-cultural exchanges.
Additionally, the participants called for more training opportunities in AI for media professionals, along with visits to major Egyptian media institutions to broaden their practical knowledge. They also expressed a strong desire to see the AfroMedia Initiative increase its role in media and cultural activities in Sudan once the security situation stabilizes.
The final recommendation emphasized the need to embrace AI technologies in contemporary media, particularly in visual and audio broadcasting.
At the closing ceremony, the participants expressed their gratitude to the Egyptian government and the AfroMedia Initiative.
Certificates were awarded to the participants, and trainers were honored for their contributions. To mark the occasion, the participants prepared a banquet featuring a mix of Sudanese and Egyptian delicacies, symbolizing the cultural and social bonds between the two nations.
In a spontaneous and moving gesture, the group sang the song "Egypt, O Sister of My Country" by the late Sudanese icon Dr. Abdel Karim AlKabli, further highlighting the deep connection between Sudan and Egypt.
The AfroMedia Initiative, founded in February 2021 by Hassan Ghazaly, continues to strengthen the relationship between Egypt and other African nations. Operating under the slogan “The Voice of Egypt…
The Voice of Africa,” the initiative works to improve the media portrayal of Africa and foster a positive and accurate narrative about the continent. Through training programs, media cooperation, and cultural exchange, the AfroMedia Initiative seeks to bridge gaps and promote understanding between African peoples, with a special focus on Egypt’s role in shaping Africa’s media and cultural landscape.
