As anticipation builds for the Broadcasters Convention—East Africa 2025, which will take place in Kampala, Uganda, excitement is mounting across the continent’s media industry.
Convened by Broadcast Media Africa (BMA) in collaboration with the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and hosted by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), this landmark event will bring together regional and international broadcasters, content creators, and media innovators.
Among the leading voices at the convention is Mr. Daniel Belayneh, CEO of Arts TV in Ethiopia, who will speak and participate in high-level panel discussions.
In an exclusive interview, Mr. Belayneh shared his motivations for joining EAB25 and his thoughts on what lies ahead for African broadcasting.
For instance, Mr. Belayneh highlighted the relevance of the convention’s agenda to the current realities of the African media landscape. He said, “The issues to be deliberated upon, as well as the distinguished panellists and speakers selected, are closely aligned with the pressing concerns within Africa’s media environment. ” He further commented, “Efforts to improve media performance—both in quality and scale—are far more impactful when undertaken in a regional and continental setting that brings together key industry players.”
Looking to the future, Mr. Belayneh pointed to four key innovations that could drive significant progress in the industry:
1. Indigenous Streaming Platforms: Tailoring streaming services to Afrocentric content can expand the reach of African productions both locally and globally.
2. An African-Owned Satellite: Launching a continentally owned and operated broadcast satellite would reduce dependence on costly European infrastructure and increase media sovereignty.
3. Cross-Border Media Collaboration: Encouraging content syndication and cross-programming among African broadcasters can deepen regional integration and diversify content offerings.
4. Ethical Integration of AI: Leveraging artificial intelligence in production—while maintaining cultural authenticity—can enhance efficiency and support scalable content development.
Mr. Belayneh did not shy away from highlighting current roadblocks: “The biggest hurdle remains the unavoidable dependence on European satellite providers, which comes with high costs and limited autonomy,” he noted. He also cited the lack of stable commercial opportunities and the impact of political instability in some regions as critical factors undermining growth and operational consistency across African broadcasting.
Looking ahead to the outcomes of the Convention, Mr. Belayneh expressed optimism:
“I hope delegates will identify the critical bottlenecks slowing down the industry’s development and collaborate on actionable solutions,” he said. “More importantly, this gathering should enhance professional networks and foster a united vision for future growth.”
He concluded with thoughts on adaptation and foresight: “We must learn to use AI to enhance, rather than replace, our media sector, ensuring that technology is a support system for the industry’s growth, all while preserving its core identity.”
In partnership with UBC and UCC, Broadcast Media Africa is delighted to welcome Mr. Daniel Belayneh and other industry leaders to the Broadcasters Convention – East Africa 2025 in Kampala, Uganda.
Visit here to learn more about the convention in Kampala, Uganda, which is being convened by Broadcast Media Africa and Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and hosted by the Uganda Communications Commission.
