Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | April 22–23, 2025
Addis Ababa hosted a major gathering of Russian and African media professionals on April 22 and 23, 2025, for the Russia–Africa International Forum of Journalists, under the theme: “The Way of Friendship and Cooperation.”
A formal opening with key figures
The opening ceremony featured speeches by notable figures, including:
- Valeriia Iadrovskaia, Deputy Director of Public Relations, ALPHA-DIALOGUE Continuing Professional Education Center, Russia
- Marina Bogdanova, Deputy Director of Academic Affairs, ALPHA-DIALOGUE Continuing Professional Education Center, Russia
- Novikov Alexander Dmitrievich, Project Manager at the Gorchakov Fund, and Research Fellow at the Center for the Study of Transition Economies, Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences
- Mr. Thewahde Belachew Belhu, CEO of Resource Industry and Trading Plc., Ethiopia
- Alexey Lukyanenko, Head of Project Office, Association for Economic Cooperation with African States, Russia
Strategic debate on reciprocal media representation
An analytical debate followed the official opening, titled “Reciprocal Media Representation of Russia and Africa”, moderated by:
- Sergei Galanin, Advisor to the IMBRICS Forum
- Victoria Budanova, Head of African Affairs Department – Sputnik Africa
Lively and sometimes intense, the discussions addressed key issues in the media landscape. A standout intervention was delivered by Mr. SIMB Emile Parfait, CEO of Global LTV, who highlighted the challenges faced by African media, including limited resources, access to reliable sources, and the fight against fake news.
Pan-African participation and a call for journalistic solidarity
Journalists from Ghana, Guinea-Conakry, Cameroon, Tanzania, South Africa, Ethiopia and other countries shared experiences, emphasizing the need to strengthen professional skills and improve source verification. The forum concluded with a shared commitment to create a solidarity-based network of journalists, fostering the exchange of reliable content and access to trustworthy information.
Closing and outlook
The forum concluded on April 23 in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with a certificate ceremony honoring all participants. Organizers announced that the next edition will take place in a different African country, aiming to further consolidate genuine and constructive cooperation between Russian and African journalists.
