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The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has called for deeper cooperation between Africa and China in the media and audiovisual sector.
Minister Bah made the call while representing Sierra Leone at the 7th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Radio, Television and Audiovisual Services, held under the theme, “Share Development Opportunities, Shape the Audiovisual Future.”
During his address, Minister Chernor Bah described the theme as timely, noting that the future of media and audiovisual communication would be shaped not only by technological advancement but also by the quality of communication, the strength of media institutions, the responsible use of emerging technologies and the ability of Africans to tell their own stories.
He explained that strong, professional and trusted media institutions are essential for creating informed citizens, promoting accountable governance and supporting national development.
He further emphasised that investing in people must include ensuring access to credible information, opportunities for participation and digital tools that enable citizens to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Additionally, Minister Bah identified Africa-China cooperation as an important avenue through which these opportunities could be expanded, particularly in strengthening media institutions and developing the continent’s creative industries.
Speaking of opportunities, Minister Bah outlined several areas where Sierra Leone sees opportunities for stronger cooperation with China, including the modernisation of broadcasting and audiovisual infrastructure, strengthening public broadcasting, professional exchanges and capacity building.
Finally, he also called for greater opportunities for journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, producers and digital media professionals to benefit from training and professional exchanges between Sierra Leone, China and other African countries.
Minister Chernor Bah stressed that Africa must move beyond being a consumer of global technologies and media content and instead play a greater role in shaping the technologies and narratives of the future. He argued that Africa should not remain merely the subject of stories produced by others, but must tell its own stories with authenticity, excellence and confidence. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s readiness to work with China and other African partners to develop a media and audiovisual sector that informs citizens, strengthens institutions, empowers young people, celebrates African cultures and contributes to shared prosperity.
