SADC Media Urged to Embrace AI and Digital Innovation to Advance Regional Integration
Media professionals across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region have been encouraged to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging digital technologies to deepen regional integration and development.
The call was made by Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr. Nick Mangwana, during the official opening of the 30th Regional Adjudication Committee (RAC) meeting for the SADC Media Awards.
He urged the media to position itself at the forefront of innovation to tackle modern challenges like misinformation, and to play a more active role in promoting SADC’s unity and purpose.
Mr. Mangwana highlighted the media’s vital function as a beacon of truth and a cultural bridge, especially in an era marked by rapid digital transformation and global uncertainty. He called for collaborative efforts to build a resilient, ethical, and technologically empowered media ecosystem across member states.
Speaking at the same event, Ms. Barbara Lopi, Head of Communication and Public Relations at the SADC Secretariat, emphasized the significance of the SADC Media Awards in boosting awareness of the region’s development milestones.
She praised journalists for using their platforms to amplify stories of cooperation, economic growth, and peacebuilding across SADC.
Ms. Olivia Rakotonirina, Director of Communication in Madagascar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and SADC Media Coordinator, extended a vote of thanks, applauding the adjudication team for their fairness and professionalism.
She reaffirmed Madagascar’s commitment to leading the region’s media excellence efforts and officially invited member states to the 31st RAC meeting in 2026.
This year, the RAC reviewed 29 entries across photo, print, radio, and television categories. Winners will be announced at the 45th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit in Antananarivo on 17 August 2025, with first-place winners receiving US$2,500 and runners-up US$1,000.
The 2026 SADC Media Awards will be announced in October 2025. Journalists are encouraged to submit their work through National Media Coordinators. Established in 1996, the Awards continue to celebrate impactful reporting that reflects the region’s cooperation and integration agenda.
