The Broadcasting and Digital Media Convention: West Africa 2025 commenced with a powerful keynote from Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON). He urged African broadcasters to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly while adhering to ethical standards and establishing policy safeguards.
Before an audience of media executives, technology innovators, and policymakers in Lagos, Ndace positioned AI as a significant catalyst that is revolutionising broadcasting on a global scale. He shared insights on how VON is leveraging AI tools for real-time translation, automated scheduling, AI-driven editing, and audience analysis, effectively transitioning the broadcaster into a digital-first entity.
However, Ndace emphasised the necessity of a cautious approach: “We must view AI not as a threat but as an enabler—albeit with caution. The African media sector must establish strong ethical frameworks to guard against misinformation, algorithmic bias, and potential cultural dilution.”
He insisted that African media maintain authority over their narratives, highlighting the importance of indigenous storytelling enhanced by innovative tools. “Africa’s media narrative must not be outsourced. We must tell our stories with intelligence, authenticity, and integrity,” Ndace affirmed.
His keynote address received immediate acclaim from industry leaders, including the event organisers, including Benjamin Pius, CEO of Broadcast Media Africa (BMA). “Mallam Ndace’s perspective encapsulates the spirit of this convention—shaping a dynamic, innovative, and ethically grounded future for African broadcasting. His leadership serves as a benchmark for broadcasters seeking to adopt AI while prioritising local content and journalistic integrity,” Pius remarked.
He also reiterated BMA’s commitment to promoting regional collaboration on AI integration, noting that engaging stakeholders and developing regulatory frameworks will be crucial takeaways from this conference.
This two-day event unites key figures in broadcast and digital media from across Africa to tackle pressing challenges and explore opportunities, focusing on AI, content monetisation, streaming services, and regulatory reforms at the forefront of discussions.
To view or watch the event highlights, please click/tap here.
