African journalists urge stronger collaboration with Chinese colleagues

By Ochiaka Ugwu

In a bid to strengthen the blossoming relations between Chinese and African media, African journalists had called for stronger and more collaboration with their Chinese colleagues for better understanding even as digital platforms and artificial intelligence reshape how stories were produced and shared.

At the event of the 7th China-Africa Media Cooperation Forum open in Beijing, African journalists emphasized that closer exchanges could help both sides better understand each other, as new technologies were creating fresh opportunities for African newsrooms.

Speaking on how technology can elevate China, Africa media synergy, Nigerian journalist, Michael Onjewu was of the conviction that media cooperation starts with something fundamental, helping audiences understand what is actually happening between China and Africa.

According to him, “The role of media is strategic in the sense that without proper media, there are negative stereotypes about countries. But with proper media cooperation, we can begin to tell the true stories about China-Africa relationship.”

Also speaking, Zimbabwean political commentator, Derek Goto says AI is already making media production faster and less costly, while affordable Chinese AI models are making the technology increasingly accessible to African newsrooms.

He stated that DeepSeek, is free and can be used for research purpose by any newsroom.

“You want to do scripting. So that accessibility in terms of pricing, I think it’s a real game changer, not just for Africa, for the world at large” he said.

Also speaking, Ugandan journalist Raziah Athman noted that greater use of AI also raises questions about credibility, governance and the future role of journalists.

“AI cannot take the human touch of journalism or of media. I don’t see a time when AI will ever do that. So AI is here to stay. It’s about remaining as human as possible, remaining relevant to our audiences”.

Athman said such platforms can open new channels not only for communication, but also for business and people-people exchanges.

“With the discovery and formulation of new platforms, like Rednote, I think the most important thing, especially for young people who hold the biggest market, I think for them, social media will help with the direct access and relationship. And it works both ways, not just for a Chinese being able to access the market in Uganda, but all Africa. So many Africans are also looking for ways of getting into the Chinese market.”

Journalists also visited Rednote, a popular Chinese social media platform, where they witness firsthand how social media is allowing Chinese and African voices to reach audiences directly.

The tools for telling China-Africa stories are evolving. And as those tools become more accessible, the opportunity is growing for Chinese and African media to tell those stories more directly and in their own voices.

Recall the 7th Forum on China–Africa Media Cooperation opened in Beijing on 20 August, with media professionals and representatives from across China and Africa in attendance. Participants were given the opportunity interact on the possible way to strengthen China, Africa media friendship in the new era.

The forum offered participants the ample opportunity of bringing a different perspective in advancing China, Africa media synergy which led to advocating for stronger and deeper cooperation in content application and governance of artificial intelligence, creation and technical skills exchange which China has in abundance.

The forum no doubt offered another great platform for Africa to exchange experience, deepen friendship, build professional bonding and explore opportunities in China, Africa media renaissance in the new era.