Three-Day programme focused on digital journalism, AI in media, and strengthening Nile Valley ties
African News 24 Pretoria Bureau
CAIRO, Egypt – The three-day Mohamed Mounir training course, organised by the AfroMedia Initiative for Journalism and Media, has successfully ended. The programme’s goal was to improve the abilities of Sudanese journalists, broadcasters, and media professionals living in Egypt. The course, held under the auspices of Daily News Africa, paid tribute to the late Mohamed Mounir, a renowned journalist at Al-Gomhuria newspaper, whose career was marked by a deep commitment to Egypt’s African and Global South affiliations.
Prominent Egyptian journalists, media specialists, and scholars gave lectures at the training, which was organised by the AfroMedia Initiative and brought together a diverse group of Sudanese media practitioners. With an emphasis on digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and the function of media in promoting social and cultural ties between Egypt and Sudan, the programme sought to address current issues in journalism.
The course was named in honour of the late Mohamed Mounir, whose extensive journalistic contributions highlighted Egypt’s leadership in Africa and the Global South. Anthropology researcher and international activist Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the AfroMedia Initiative, stressed Mounir’s legacy, stating, “This course is a tribute to his dedication to journalism and his unwavering patriotism. His work continues to inspire us to strengthen Egypt’s media ties with Africa.”
The first day of the course featured sessions on digital journalism and media innovation. Ahmed Mahmoud, Managing Editor of Ahram Online, delivered a lecture on “Digital Journalism,” while Mohamed Samir, Editor-in-Chief of Daily News Africa, shared insights into the experiences of Ahram Online and Daily News Africa. Dr. Ayman Adly, Head of the Training and Education Committee at the Media Syndicate, discussed the essential qualities of a successful media professional.
The second day focused on the role of artificial intelligence in modern journalism. Investigative journalist Mohamed Magdy Abouzeid led a session on “Using AI to Detect Misinformation in Images and Videos,” and Mohamed Al-Mamlouk, Editor-in-Chief of Cairo 24, explored the practical applications of AI in journalism.
On the final day, Dr. Osama Al-Qadi, a seasoned journalist and media trainer, lectured on “AI Tools in Media Content Creation.” Journalist and international trainer Iman Al-Warraqi, founder of the Artificial Intelligence Revolution Initiative, concluded the program with a session titled “AI Creativity: Strategies and Techniques for Innovative Content Creation.”
Participants and experts in the course came up with a number of important recommendations, such as the necessity of enhancing Egypt-Sudan cultural and media ties, incorporating local cultural content into curricula to preserve national identity, and expanding training opportunities for media professionals, especially in AI technologies.
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Additionally, the recommendations highlighted the need to establish an online platform to facilitate cultural and social connections between Nile Valley communities and to organise visits to major Egyptian media institutions to enrich the experience of trainees. These proposals aim to foster collaboration, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance the skills of media practitioners in the region.
The final day of the course was marked by a celebration of Sudanese-Egyptian camaraderie. Participants prepared a banquet featuring traditional dishes from both nations and spontaneously sang the iconic song “Egypt, O Sister of My Country” by the late Sudanese artist Dr. Abdel Karim AlKabli. Certificates were awarded to participants, and trainers were honoured for their contributions.
Founded in February 2021 by Hassan Ghazaly, the AfroMedia Initiative operates under the slogan “The Voice of Egypt… The Voice of Africa.” It aims to strengthen journalistic and media relations between Egypt and African nations, develop the skills of media professionals, and promote a unified media narrative that accurately portrays Africa’s image.
The “Late Journalist Mohamed Mounir” training course not only equipped Sudanese media professionals with cutting-edge skills but also reinforced the cultural and social bonds between Egypt and Sudan. As the AfroMedia Initiative continues its mission, it remains a vital bridge for fostering media cooperation and understanding across the African continent.
