MTN Group, in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the African Editors Forum (TAEF), has unveiled the Pan-African Media Innovation Programme (MIP), a continental initiative that builds on the success of its Nigerian pilot launched in 2022. The expanded programme is set to empower journalists across Africa with advanced skills, practical tools, and cross-border networks essential for thriving in today’s fast-evolving digital media environment.
The Pan-African MIP represents a significant milestone in MTN’s commitment to strengthening independent journalism and supporting Africa’s democratic institutions. What began as a national project in Nigeria has now grown into a robust continental platform, demonstrating MTN’s recognition of the media’s central role in combating disinformation, upholding accountability, and ensuring informed societies.
Structured as a twelve-week certified fellowship, the programme will be delivered independently by UJ and TAEF. It blends rigorous academic learning with hands-on industry experiences, striking a balance between classroom knowledge and real-world practice. Journalists selected for the fellowship will study key themes including digital transformation in newsrooms, media sustainability, ethics and law, entrepreneurship, and the role of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies in shaping information ecosystems. Alongside this, participants will take part in newsroom visits, innovation labs, industry-led masterclasses, and collaborative projects designed to spark creativity and foster partnerships among journalists from different African countries.
The launch comes at a critical juncture, as African media institutions confront multiple challenges ranging from fragile business models to the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Organisers say the Pan-African MIP is not only a response to these urgent challenges but also a direct contribution to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a continent that is inclusive, democratic, and informed.
“For Africa’s digital future to be truly transformative, we must invest not only in connectivity but also in the institutions that uphold trust, accountability, and public interest,” said Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer. “With the Pan-African MIP, we are proud to support a new generation of media leaders through a collaborative effort that brings together academic excellence and editorial expertise.”
A spokesperson for the University of Johannesburg described the initiative as both academically rigorous and socially impactful, noting that the programme is deeply rooted in the everyday realities of African journalism. Similarly, the African Editors Forum welcomed the partnership, highlighting the essential role of independent media as the bedrock of democracy and stressing the importance of building collaborative and resilient media ecosystems across the continent.
The launch ceremony, held at the MTN Innovation Centre in Johannesburg, was attended by members of the MIP Alumni Association of Nigeria, who shared insights into how the pilot programme transformed their work and careers. Their presence underscored the programme’s journey from a successful national experiment to a continental platform capable of reshaping Africa’s media landscape.
The first Pan-African cohort of fellows is scheduled to commence training in 2026, marking a new chapter in the development of journalism across the continent. By investing in this initiative, MTN and its partners reaffirm their long-term commitment to empowering African journalists, combating disinformation, and ensuring the sustainability of independent media in an increasingly digital world.
