The launch, which took place on Friday, 12 September 2025, in Johannesburg, South Africa, marked the expansion of the successful Nigerian edition of the MIP into a truly continental fellowship. Anchored by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) as the academic lead, with contributions from the African Editors Forum (TAEF), the 12-week programme will combine academic modules, industry immersion, innovation labs and mentorship to strengthen African journalism and digital storytelling.

Speaking at the launch, Nompilo Morafo, Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer at MTN Group, said the programme comes at a critical time for the continent:

"Information today flows instantly, often without filters. People no longer wait for a press release to understand what is happening in their world – they look online, on social platforms, where disinformation is just as present as credible reporting. Journalism is more than a profession; it is a calling. A programme like this ensures we prepare the next generation of African journalists to lead with integrity, accuracy and trust."

She added that MTN Group's vision of enabling the benefits of a modern connected life will be incomplete without strengthening the credibility of information flows across the continent.

Professor Prinola Govenden, Associate Professor in the Department of Communication and Media at the University of Johannesburg, underscored the urgency of equipping African journalists with future-ready skills amid sweeping changes in politics, economics and technology:

"Our media landscape is being reshaped by artificial intelligence, deepfakes, social media platforms and the dominance of multinational tech giants. Journalists cannot afford to be left behind. The Pan-African curriculum will be grounded in African case studies, Afrocentric perspectives and practical industry exposure to ensure our media professionals remain relevant, innovative and sustainable."

She explained that the programme will feature academic modules, guest lectures from MTN Group executives and African industry leaders, study tours, and even employment placement opportunities. The University of Johannesburg, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, will also extend bursary and job placement opportunities for young people through MTN's sponsorship, addressing long-standing challenges of access to higher education in South Africa.

"This is not just about empowering senior journalists. It is also about opening doors for first-generation graduates, the children of cleaners, taxi drivers and workers, who are hungry for opportunities to change their lives. This programme is as much about impact on individual families as it is about strengthening Africa's media ecosystem," Govenden added.

Churchill Otieno, President of the African Editors Forum (TAEF), called the launch a pivotal step in reclaiming Africa's agency in global storytelling:

"Too often, coverage of Africa is filtered through external lenses, reducing our diplomacy and achievements to crises or aid negotiations. This initiative is about reframing Africa's story on Africa's terms. Journalism must be both a mirror and a map, reflecting our resilience, creativity and diversity, while guiding the path to unity, justice and prosperity."

He noted that African journalists face immense challenges, from limited access to reliable internet in rural areas to threats in conflict zones, with many forced into exile. Yet, he stressed, innovation and solidarity remain essential:

"Through this programme, we will equip journalists with tools such as encrypted communication software, fact-checking techniques and mentorship networks. This is about ensuring African voices are not drowned out in the digital revolution but are instead leading it."

The Pan-African MIP will recruit an initial cohort of 73 fellows drawn from across the continent, significantly expanding from its Nigerian origins. Fellows will be immersed in areas including digital storytelling, media entrepreneurship, technology and policy reporting, with study visits and mentorship designed to foster cross-border collaboration.

Morafo revealed that the programme has already attracted interest from other stakeholders, with organisations such as Standard Bank expressing willingness to support its future growth.

At its core, the Pan-African Media Innovation Programme seeks to build a stronger, more connected media ecosystem "for Africa, by Africa", one that empowers journalists to tell stories rooted in African values, priorities and realities, while strengthening trust in information across the continent.