The Broadcasters Convention – Southern Africa 2025 (SAB25) concluded its second day of deliberations yesterday, marked by an urgent call for regional unity and a determined focus on media financial sustainability and regulatory resilience in the digital age. The day’s highly anticipated sessions led directly into the prestigious Broadcast Media Africa (BMA) 2025 Awards ceremony, celebrating excellence across the continent.
The day commenced with a powerful Ministerial Address delivered by Dr J. Muswere, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services. Dr Muswere set the tone, challenging delegates to reposition the media from passive conveyors of information to active “architects of regional unity, trade, and development.”
“How do we define the role of SABA in terms of the Southern African Industrialisation Plan and the African Union Agenda 2063?” Minister Muswere queried. “We must urgently generate and control our own narratives, ensuring we broadcast content generated from Southern Africa and from Africa, taking ownership of content creation and digital platforms.”
Following the Ministerial Address, delegates participated in intensive sessions focused on monetising the rapidly evolving media landscape:
- Streaming Strategy: Panels extensively debated “The Content Streaming Game In Africa,” outlining viable strategies to overcome connectivity challenges and successfully capture regional audiences.
- Financial Models: Sessions on “Following the Money” and “How To Remain Financially Sustainable” provided critical insights into platforms, partnerships, and new revenue models that are necessary for media houses to thrive amid global technological shifts.
The afternoon centred on crucial infrastructure and regulatory matters, including discussions on “New Media Infrastructure Investment” and securing the future of radio through the presentation, “Securing Africa’s Digital Radio Future: Examination of Practical Collaboration Strategies.”
The most critical discussions of the day revolved around media integrity and regulation. The panel on “The Trust Mandate – Reimagining Regulatory And Policy Outcomes” explored how resilient regulatory frameworks can safeguard public trust. This was followed by the “Infodemic Frontline” session, where panellists outlined the roles and battle plans needed to fight misinformation and disinformation, positioning broadcasters as key defenders of factual information.
Celebrating Excellence at the BMA 2025 Awards
The day culminated in the spectacular Broadcast Media Africa (BMA) 2025 Awards ceremony. The evening recognised the extraordinary talents and pioneering efforts of individuals and organisations that are setting new benchmarks for innovation, quality, and impact across the African broadcast landscape. The awards celebrated the spirit of content, connectivity, and collaboration that defined the SAB25 agenda.
SAB25 will conclude tomorrow with final strategic sessions and the official closing ceremony, reaffirming commitments to a united, digitally empowered Southern African broadcasting ecosystem.
About Broadcasters Convention – Southern Africa 2025 (SAB25): The Broadcasters Convention – Southern Africa 2025 is a premier gathering of media leaders, technology providers, policy-makers, and content creators organised under the auspices of the Southern African Broadcasting Association (SABA). The convention focuses on transforming Africa’s broadcast media landscape in the AI era, centred around the themes of Content, Connectivity, and Collaboration.
To view highlights from the event, please click here.
