MTN Group, the University of Johannesburg (UJ), and the African Editors Forum (TAEF) have joined forces to launch the Pan-African Media Innovation Programme (MIP), a landmark initiative designed to empower journalists with the skills and tools needed to lead Africa’s media into the future.
The programme expands on the success of the MTN Nigeria MIP, first launched in 2022, which has already produced a strong alumni community of media professionals. With this new continental edition, MTN and its partners are broadening the scope of training to include journalists from across MTN’s footprint in Africa, making it a truly Pan-African platform for professional growth and collaboration.
The Pan-African MIP is structured as a twelve-week certified fellowship, delivered independently by UJ and TAEF. It combines academic training with real-world immersion to ensure participants gain both theoretical insights and practical experience. The programme focuses on critical areas such as newsroom innovation, digital transformation, sustainability of media businesses, ethics, law, entrepreneurship, and the disruptive influence of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on the information ecosystem. In addition to online classes, fellows will benefit from in-person immersion in Johannesburg, including industry-led masterclasses, newsroom visits, innovation labs, and cross-border projects designed to encourage collaboration and problem-solving among African journalists.
The launch of this programme comes at a time when African journalism faces unprecedented challenges. From the growing menace of misinformation and disinformation to shrinking advertising revenues and fragile business models, the media industry is struggling to remain resilient. By investing in capacity building, MTN, UJ, and TAEF hope to provide journalists with the leadership skills and innovative approaches required to safeguard press freedom, restore public trust, and sustain independent media across the continent.
Speaking at the launch, Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, stressed the importance of empowering journalists as part of Africa’s digital transformation journey. “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 support a new generation of media leaders through a collaborative effort that blends academic excellence with editorial expertise.”
A spokesperson for the University of Johannesburg praised the partnership as a reflection of its commitment to socially impactful education. They noted that the programme is academically rigorous while also being firmly rooted in the real-world challenges facing journalists on the continent. The African Editors Forum, representing senior media professionals, also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely and strategic investment in the future of African journalism and a crucial step in strengthening democratic institutions.
The launch event took place at the MTN Innovation Centre in Johannesburg, where members of the MIP Alumni Association of Nigeria were present to share their experiences and highlight the programme’s transformative impact. Their participation symbolised the evolution of MIP from a successful national pilot into a Pan-African initiative with continental reach and influence.
The first cohort of Pan-African fellows will begin their training in 2026, marking the start of a new era in journalism education and leadership on the continent. By providing journalists with advanced training and fostering cross-border collaboration, MTN, UJ, and TAEF are helping to shape a future where African media leaders are empowered to defend press freedom, embrace innovation, and drive positive change in society.
