Celebrating 61 Years of the African Union: Hazem Abdel Wahab Training Course for African Journalists and Media Professionals

Under the motto "Voice of Egypt, Voice of Africa"

Celebrating 61 Years of the African Union: Hazem Abdel Wahab Training Course for African Journalists and Media Professionals Comes to an End

Last Tuesday evening marked the conclusion of the training course for African journalists and media professionals, titled "Voice of Egypt, Voice of Africa." Organized by the Afromedia Network under the patronage of the African Union Office in Cairo, the course ran from May 26 to 28, 2024, at the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate. The training aimed to enhance the skills of non-Egyptian African journalists residing in Egypt through preparing them for the job market. The program included seven workshops on the basics of investigative journalism, mobile journalism, fact-checking, artificial intelligence, data journalism, Africa’s image in international media, and the role of unions in advancing journalists' interests.

The course targeted a large number of African journalists in Egypt, particularly Sudanese journalists, with 60 participants showing professionalism and awareness during the lectures, discussions, and workshops throughout the training course. The course was led by prominent media professionals including Hisham Younis, Deputy Head of the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate; Dr. Ramadan Korany, African Affairs Expert at the State Information Service; journalists Mohamed Zidan, Osama El-Deeb, Ahmed Ashour, Iman Al-Warraqi, and Maha Salah El-Din.

In a related context, the training resulted in several valuable recommendations, including strengthening ties with the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate through the Afromedia Network; continuing support for traineeship to African journalists and media workers; activating regional and bilateral agreements, creating a network for African journalists in Egypt to exchange experiences; organizing regular meetings; in addition to conducting field visits to Egyptian media, tourist, and archaeological institutions.

In recognition of their contributions, Afromedia honored several notable figures in African affairs, including the late Hazem Abdel Wahab, previous Director-General of African Orientation, whose award was received by his family; Dr. Mohamed Abdel Karim, an African affairs researcher and journalist, and Randa Khaled, African Affairs Officer at Al-Wafd newspaper.

Hassan Ghazaly, the international activist and founder of Afromedia, highlighted that the training was launched with the anniversary of the Organization of African Unity and World Press Freedom Day, noting that it held the name of the late great Hazem Abdel Wahab to honor his professional integrity and limitless support for Swahili students and African students in Egypt. Ghazali added that the gone Abdel Wahab was able to understand and absorb the historical, liberalizing and awareness-raising methodology and inheritance of the role of the Egyptian Radio and Television Union in forming Egypt’s image in Africa, not to mention his mastery of Swahili, and how he invested it in the translation of the interpretation of the Holy Quran as his final work in broadcasting. 

Journalist Hisham Younis emphasized the strong ties between Egyptian journalists and their African counterparts, especially Sudanese journalists, thanking Afromedia for its support in training African journalists and building their capacities, not only this but also for its willingness to help, in several aspects, Sudanese Journalists affected by the war. Younis participated in honoring the late Hazem Abdel Wahab's family, presenting certificates to the academic committee of Afromedia, trainers, and participants.

Sudanese delegation representative, journalist Aboud Abdel Rahim, praised Afromedia's efforts and thanked the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate for hosting the event and the African Union Office in Cairo for its patronage. He acknowledged the expertise shared by trainers and called for more such training programs to enhance the skills of African journalists in Egypt, commending the Afromedia team for their work.

It is worth noting that AfroMedia, founded by anthropologist Hassan Ghazaly in February 2021, is part of the Global Solidarity Network. With self-funded efforts, it has served around 560 beneficiaries from 37 African countries, offering free opportunities and aiming to be a media bridge between Egypt and other African nations.