African broadcasters are shifting the conversation on artificial intelligence (AI) from whether it should be adopted to how it can be governed responsibly, following extensive discussions at the Broadcasters Convention – East Africa 2026.
Held from 26–28 May 2026 in Nairobi under the theme “Reimagining Next: AI, Cloud, and the Future of Broadcast Media in Africa,” the convention brought together broadcasters, regulators, technology providers, content creators and policymakers from across the continent to examine the opportunities and risks presented by AI-driven transformation.
A clear message emerged from the three-day gathering: AI is no longer an emerging technology for Africa’s broadcasting industry—it is already reshaping newsroom operations, content production, distribution and audience engagement. The priority now is ensuring that its adoption is guided by strong editorial governance, ethical standards and policies that reflect Africa’s unique media environment.
Throughout the convention, industry experts showcased practical applications of AI across broadcasting—from automated newsroom workflows and metadata management to television production and content personalisation. While delegates acknowledged AI’s ability to improve efficiency and unlock new opportunities, they agreed that technology must complement rather than replace human editorial judgement.
Speaking on the outcomes of the convention, Nonku Mkhize, General Manager of Broadcast Media Africa (BMA), said the industry has reached an important turning point.
“The discussions throughout the convention demonstrated that AI has moved from experimentation to implementation across many broadcasting organisations. The challenge now is not whether broadcasters should embrace AI, but how they do so responsibly. African broadcasters have an opportunity to develop governance frameworks that protect editorial integrity, preserve public trust and reflect the realities of our own media landscape.”
Participants emphasised that broadcasters should establish clear organisational policies governing AI use in newsrooms, content creation and editorial decision-making. Rather than relying solely on global technology models, delegates encouraged African media organisations to develop governance approaches that align with local regulations, audience expectations and professional journalistic standards.
The convention also highlighted the need for continued investment in skills development. Delegates noted that journalists, editors and production teams require ongoing training to effectively integrate AI into existing workflows while maintaining accuracy, accountability and transparency. A practical masterclass on AI tools for television production reinforced the importance of equipping media professionals with the capabilities needed to work confidently alongside emerging technologies.
Beyond organisational readiness, delegates stressed that policymakers and regulators have an equally important role to play. Discussions called for modern regulatory frameworks capable of addressing AI-generated content, data governance and cross-border digital broadcasting while encouraging innovation across Africa’s media sector.
As AI continues to redefine broadcasting worldwide, the Broadcasters Convention – East Africa 2026 concluded that Africa has an opportunity not only to adopt new technologies but also to lead in developing governance models that balance innovation with credibility, creativity and public trust.
The convention reaffirmed that the future of broadcasting will not be determined by technology alone, but by the policies, leadership and professional standards that guide its use across the industry.
