MTN Group, in strategic collaboration with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the African Editors Forum (TAEF), has officially launched the Pan-African Media Innovation Programme (MIP), a transformative initiative designed to empower African journalists and strengthen independent media across the continent.
The programme is an expansion of the pioneering MTN Nigeria MIP, first introduced in 2022, which trained a select group of journalists in digital innovation and newsroom leadership. Building on that success, the new Pan-African MIP will extend its reach to journalists from across MTN’s African footprint, positioning it as a continental platform for professional growth, collaboration, and innovation.
Structured as a twelve-week certified fellowship, the Pan-African MIP will be delivered independently by UJ and TAEF. The curriculum combines rigorous online academic training with immersive in-person sessions in Johannesburg, ensuring that participants receive both theoretical depth and practical exposure. The fellowship will cover critical areas such as digital transformation, newsroom innovation, ethics and law, entrepreneurship, and the disruptive influence of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on journalism. In addition, participants will benefit from industry-led masterclasses, newsroom visits, innovation labs, and collaborative projects aimed at cultivating creative problem-solving and building cross-border partnerships.
The launch comes at a decisive moment for African journalism. Across the continent, media institutions face mounting pressures from misinformation and disinformation campaigns, declining advertising revenues, fragile business models, and challenges to press freedom. Organisers say the programme directly contributes to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions an informed, democratic, and inclusive Africa where media plays a central role in shaping public discourse and strengthening democratic governance.
Speaking at the event, Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to empowering media practitioners as part of Africa’s digital transformation. “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. Through the Pan-African MIP, we are proud to nurture a new generation of media leaders through a collaborative effort that blends academic excellence with editorial expertise.”
A spokesperson for the University of Johannesburg welcomed the partnership, describing it as an extension of the institution’s mission to deliver socially impactful education. They highlighted that the programme is academically rigorous yet deeply grounded in the real-world challenges faced by African journalists.
The African Editors Forum also expressed strong support, noting that independent media remain the foundation of free and democratic societies. A representative stressed that initiatives like the Pan-African MIP are critical for building stronger, more resilient, and collaborative media ecosystems capable of addressing today’s complex information challenges.
The launch ceremony, hosted at the MTN Innovation Centre in Johannesburg, brought together journalists, editors, and media leaders from across the continent. Members of the MIP Alumni Association of Nigeria were also present, sharing insights into how the pilot programme had impacted their work and careers. Their involvement symbolised the programme’s evolution from a national initiative into a Pan-African platform with the capacity to transform the future of journalism.
The first continental cohort of fellows is expected to commence training in 2026, marking the beginning of a new era for media leadership and innovation in Africa. By equipping journalists with advanced training, collaborative networks, and practical solutions, MTN and its partners are reaffirming their commitment to fighting disinformation, supporting press freedom, and ensuring that African journalism thrives in the digital age.
