MTN Group, in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and The African Editors Forum (TAEF), have launched the Pan-African Media Innovation Programme (MIP), a continent-wide initiative aimed at equipping  journalists and media practitioners with future-ready skills in innovation, digital storytelling, media entrepreneurship, technology, and policy reporting, needed to navigate today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. The programme builds on the success of the MTN Media Innovation programme spearheaded by MTN Nigeria and the Pan-Atlantic University in Nigeria , established in 2022, and now extends its reach to media practitioners across MTN’s footprint – that will see the participation of all 16 MTN markets and CEOs.

The 12-week certified curriculum, delivered over 12 weeks, combines online academic modules with immersive in-person experiences in Johannesburg. After the completion of the curriculum, fellows will be placed in a 2- week employment opportunity with an MTN partner company.

Participants will explore:

• Digital transformation in media
• Sustainability of independent media
• Ethics and media law
• Entrepreneurship in journalism
• The impact of emerging technologies on information ecosystems
• Industry masterclasses, newsroom visits, and innovation projects will allow participants to apply academic learning directly to real-world media challenges.
• Strengthening Media in Africa

UJ Lead, MTN Pan-African Media innovation programme, Professor Prinola Govenden, said she is excited to be a part of a programme that will bring much needed changes to the African media landscape.

“This programme will ultimately contribute to a stronger, sustainable, more trustworthy digitally connected African media ecosystem. At the core of the Pan African MIP curriculum will be the notion of For Africa, By Africa. It will also be pedagogically and practically grounded in Pan African canonical approaches, case studies as well as Afrocentric perspectives and approaches. I am particularly excited about the societal impact this project will have, which is in-line with UJ’s dynamic 2035 Strategic Plan. As well as the great opportunities MTN’s generous sponsorship will create for our students and future journalists, through bursaries, employment opportunities, as well as networking Prof Govenden said.

Dean of the Faculty of Humanities Prof Kammila Naidoo shared that the programme would be rooted in academic rigour. .

“Our partnership ensures that the programme is rooted in academic rigour while responsive to the realities of newsrooms. Equipping journalists with the skills to navigate disruption and build sustainable models is critical for the future of the profession.”

Head of the Department of Communication and Media at UJ, Professor Admire Mare, said the University, by extension the department were proud to have partnered with MTN on this project.

“We are so grateful to have partnered with MTN—-African’s largest mobile operator in co-creating the Pan African Media Innovation Program. The programme has the potential to deepen the capacity of African journalists to tell the authentic African story whilst using digital technologies and other emerging tools like Generative Artificial Intelligence,” Prof Mare said.

He added that it will enhance the technical skills of journalists and prepare them to leverage cutting edge tools and give them an edge in an everchanging media ecosystem.

“Building on the MIP program launched by the Pan Atlantic University in Nigeria, the recently launched initiative has a continental thrust and is outward looking, which means it broadens our societal impact as the University of Johannesburg and also helps to position the Department of Communication and Media as a centre of excellence in journalism and media training on the African continent. This comes in the wake of another short learning initiative currently been developed in partnership with UNESCO Addis Ababa and the African Union,” Prof Mare said.

The launch comes at a time of rising fake news, disinformation, and fragile media business models across Africa. Strengthening media resilience is key to supporting the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aims for inclusive, informed, and democratic societies. For MTN, the initiative underscores its commitment to ensuring digital connectivity supports both access and trust in information.

Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, said: “Africa’s digital future depends on both the infrastructure we build and the strength of the institutions that foster trust and accountability. Through the Pan-African MIP, we are investing in media capacity and innovation alongside respected academic and editorial partners. Together we aim to strengthen the information ecosystems that are essential for resilient democracies and inclusive growth.”

The launch, held at MTN’s Innovation Centre in Johannesburg, coincided with a visit from Nigerian journalists representing the MIP Alumni Association, symbolising the programme’s expansion from a national to a Pan-African platform. It featured representation by all sectors, including High Commissioner representatives of the governments of both South Africa and Nigeria, representation of the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) and representation of the Press Council of South Africa who all threw their weight behind the programme.

The first cohort of 70 to 73 fellows is set to begin in 2026.