Niger has strongly advocated for an ambitious and full Sino-African media partnership, articulating a vision for deeper collaboration that extends beyond traditional institutional exchanges. This call was made during the VII Forum on Sino-African Media Cooperation, an influential gathering held in Beijing, People's Republic of China, from August 19 to August 21, 2026. The forum, a key event for media dialogue between China and Africa, convened under the resonant theme, 'Sharing new development opportunities, jointly building a new audiovisual future'.
Ibrahim Manzo DIALLO, President of the Observatoire National de la Communication (ONC), served as Niger's representative at this significant event. In his address, Mr. DIALLO showed the imperative for Sino-African media relations to evolve, pushing for a transformation that moves beyond existing institutional exchanges to embrace more strategic, technological, and human cooperation. This proposed evolution aims to foster a more integrated and mutually beneficial media landscape. He particularly emphasized the critical necessity for African nations to effectively control and articulate their own narratives on the global stage. "Il faut être capable de raconter sa propre histoire" (one must be able to tell one's own story), he asserted, noting this as a fundamental aspect of cultural and informational sovereignty. He framed this endeavor as key in the ongoing "bataille informationnelle" (informational battle), advocating for concerted efforts to "raconter l’Afrique depuis l’Afrique" (tell Africa's story from Africa). This approach, he suggested, is vital for counteracting external narratives and ensuring authentic representation.
Forum Objectives and Niger's Vision for Enhanced Cooperation
The VII Forum on Sino-African Media Cooperation was a testament to the collaborative spirit driving media development between the two continents. It was a meticulously organized event, jointly orchestrated by the National Radio and Television Administration of China (NRTA), the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, and the African Union of Broadcasting. This joint organization shows a multi-faceted approach to media development and international partnership, bringing together key governmental and industry stakeholders.
A primary and overarching objective of the forum was to significantly enhance exchanges across a broad spectrum of media platforms. This included strengthening cooperation in traditional mediums such as radio and television, alongside a focus on the broader audiovisual sector, encompassing digital media and emerging technologies. The event explicitly sought to cultivate deeper technological and cultural cooperation between Chinese and African nations, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between technological advancement and cultural exchange. A key outcome anticipated from these interactions was the stimulation of greater engagement and interactions among the youth of China and Africa. These aims collectively reflect a full strategy to build stronger, more integrated media ecosystems through shared knowledge, technological transfer, and cultural understanding. The forum’s focus on 'Sharing new development opportunities, jointly building a new audiovisual future' directly aligned with Niger's aspirations for leveraging international partnerships for national media growth.
For Niger, cooperation with China is viewed as a particularly significant catalyst for national development, especially within the media sector. This partnership is anticipated to provide substantial benefits, particularly in the critical areas of training media professionals, fostering technological innovation, and facilitating audiovisual co-production. Beyond these broader objectives, this strong partnership is also expected to facilitate the development of specific projects. These projects would be meticulously tailored for Nigerien media organizations and designed to directly benefit the nation's youth, equipping them with the skills and platforms necessary for future success in the digital age.
Navigating the Information Battle and Digital Transformation
Ibrahim Manzo DIALLO, President of the Observatoire National de la Communication (ONC), provided a nuanced definition of informational sovereignty during his address. He clarified that this concept should not be misconstrued as closure or isolation from global discourse. Instead, he articulated informational sovereignty as the fundamental right of peoples to effectively make their voices heard, to present their own realities authentically, and to actively participate in constructing their own narratives. This perspective emphasizes self-determination in the information sphere.
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, DIALLO noted the critical importance of several key areas. He specifically pointed to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and new media as major challenges that confront both media regulators and media professionals alike. These challenges, he noted, require proactive strategies and strong frameworks to navigate effectively. Simultaneously, DIALLO emphasized that the burgeoning digital space represents a formidable and unparalleled area for creation, innovation, and entrepreneurship, particularly for Africa's young and dynamic population. This duality of challenge and opportunity shows the complex landscape of modern media.
Recognizing the transformative power of the digital realm, DIALLO identified four essential aptitudes that he believes are key for new generations to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape. These aptitudes form a full framework for digital literacy and empowerment: first, a fundamental understanding of digital technologies; second, the ability to create compelling content using digital tools; third, the capacity to undertake entrepreneurial ventures within the vast digital space; and fourth, the vital skill of protecting oneself and one's data while operating in the digital environment. These skills are seen as foundational for future success.
DIALLO then contextualized the current information environment for Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. He described it as an "information battle," further characterizing it as a complex battle of perceptions, images, and narratives. This powerful description shows the urgency of developing strong media capabilities within these nations. Such capabilities are essential not only for shaping their own stories but also for effectively countering misinformation and propaganda, thereby safeguarding their national interests and cultural identities.
Key Themes and Future Cooperation Initiatives
In his compelling address, Ibrahim Manzo DIALLO passionately advocated for a range of initiatives aimed at deepening Sino-African media collaboration. He called for increased co-productions across various media formats, fostering a shared creative output. He emphasized the importance of strong exchanges of documentary, educational, cultural, and cinematic content, believing such exchanges would enrich both regions. Crucially, he also pressed for a greater circulation of skills and experiences between African and Chinese professionals, facilitating mutual learning and capacity building.
DIALLO articulated that cooperation with China holds the potential to offer significant perspectives and advancements for Africa, particularly in these critical technological domains. However, he stressed that this cooperation must be structured to ensure genuine empowerment. He specified that such partnerships should definitively include full skills transfer programs, advanced training initiatives for African professionals, joint research projects to address shared challenges, and, critically, technology appropriation by African nations. This approach ensures that technological advancements are not merely imported but are deeply integrated and adapted to local contexts.
Niger's overarching aim in pursuing these international partnerships is multifaceted. The nation seeks to modernize its media environment comprehensively, bringing it in line with global standards and technological advancements. Concurrently, it endeavors to strengthen the professional capacities of its media personnel through enhanced training and development. Ultimately, Niger is committed to developing international partnerships that are genuinely respectful of its national priorities and contribute directly to its strategic development goals.
The response to the intricate informational challenges of the modern era, according to DIALLO, necessitates a multi-pronged approach. This includes the consistent production of credible and verified information, a steadfast commitment to professionalizing media practices across the board, and continuous training for journalists to equip them with the latest skills and ethical frameworks. He noted the indispensable need for investing in modern technological tools to enhance media production and dissemination capabilities. Finally, he showed the importance of strengthening the presence of African media in the international digital space, ensuring that African voices are heard and amplified globally. Mme Mariama Boubacar Oumarou, a distinguished member of the Observatoire National de la Communication (ONC), also attended the forum, further contributing to Niger's full and engaged representation at this key international gathering.