MTN Group has expanded the Media Innovation Programme (MIP), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping journalists and editors with the tools, skills, and networks to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital era, into a Pan-African fellowship.
The launch, held on Friday, 12 September 2025, in Johannesburg, South Africa, marks the transformation of the successful Nigerian edition of MIP into a fully-fledged Pan-African programme.
Anchored by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) as academic lead and supported by the African Editors Forum (TAEF), the 12-week programme will blend academic modules, industry immersion, innovation labs, and mentorship to strengthen journalism and digital storytelling across continents.
Speaking at the event, Nompilo Morafo, Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer at MTN Group, said the initiative comes at a defining moment for the continent. “Information today flows instantly, often without filters. People no longer wait for a press release – they go online, where disinformation is as prevalent as credible reporting. Journalism is more than a profession; it is a calling. This programme ensures the next generation of African journalists can lead with integrity, accuracy and trust,” she stated.
Morafo added that MTN’s vision of enabling a modern connected life across Africa would be incomplete without credible and trustworthy information flows.
Professor Prinola Govenden, Associate Professor in the Department of Communication and Media at the University of Johannesburg, said African journalists must be future-ready in the face of political, economic and technological disruption.
“Our media landscape is being reshaped by artificial intelligence, deepfakes, social media and the dominance of multinational tech platforms. Journalists cannot afford to be left behind. This Pan-African curriculum will be grounded in African case studies, Afrocentric perspectives, and practical industry exposure,” she said.
The programme will feature guest lectures from MTN executives and industry leaders, study tours, and job placement opportunities. With MTN’s sponsorship, UJ will also extend bursaries and employment support to young people, particularly first-generation graduates, as part of its 20th anniversary initiatives.
Churchill Otieno, President of the African Editors Forum, described the launch as a pivotal moment in reframing Africa’s global narrative. “Too often, Africa’s story is told through external lenses, reducing our achievements to crises or aid. This initiative is about reclaiming our agency. Journalism must be both a mirror and a map – reflecting our resilience and creativity while guiding us to unity and prosperity,” he said.