The Turkiye-Africa Media Forum opens in Istanbul to strengthen media ties and promote collaboration between Turkiye and Africa. Key discussions focus on accurate media representation and countering disinformation.
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| The Turkiye-Africa Media Forum in Istanbul emphasizes fair media representation and strengthening Turkiye-Africa ties, with notable speakers from both regions discussing collaboration and challenges. Image Courtesy: AA/DS |
Istanbul, Turkiye — March 1, 2025:
The Turkiye-Africa Media Forum kicked off in Istanbul on Friday, organized by Turkiye’s Communications Directorate to foster stronger media ties between Turkiye and the African continent. The event, which brought together key leaders from both regions, aims to enhance cooperation and address challenges in the media landscape.
Opening speeches were delivered by Gregoire Ndjaka, CEO of the African Union of Broadcasting, Walid Ammar Ellafi, Libya’s National Unity Communication and Political Affairs Minister, and Fahrettin Altun, Turkiye’s Communications Director. Altun highlighted Turkiye’s commitment to promoting peace, justice, and freedom through its role as a mediator, emphasizing the importance of representing Africa through its true potential rather than focusing on negative stereotypes.
In his speech, Altun also criticized Western media's biased portrayal of Africa, calling for the continent’s media to be represented with accuracy and fairness. “We believe the global media ecosystem should operate based on truth and justice,” he stated, reinforcing Turkiye’s dedication to providing a more balanced view of Africa.
Ellafi, on the other hand, discussed the role of communication in shaping global perceptions, particularly in Africa. He pointed out that while the continent is rapidly growing both economically and demographically, its media presence remains underdeveloped. He stressed that external narratives often fail to capture the full complexity of Africa’s challenges, such as migration, which is frequently misrepresented in foreign press.
The forum will feature panels focused on strengthening the media and communication ecosystem in Turkiye-Africa relations, public diplomacy, and strategies to counter disinformation. Over a dozen experts and panelists are expected to share insights on how to build more accurate and effective media connections between Turkiye and Africa.