Addis Ababa —
The Vice President for Communication and International Relations of the Africa-International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World), Amb. Kazeem Balogun, has visited the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) and Pulse of Africa (POA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he held discussions on strengthening media collaboration and showcasing the forthcoming Africa Tourism Dialogue (ATD)
The visit, which followed an invitation from the two Ethiopian government-established media institutions, provided an opportunity for Amb. Balogun to discuss the Africa Tourism Dialogue, scheduled to take place from 12–14 November at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, as well as other issues concerning tourism, media, communication and Africa’s economic development.
Amb. Kazeem Balogun with some of the management team members of ENA/POA inside one of the studios of POA in Addis Ababa
Amb. Balogun, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Kalo Africa Media, used the visit to explore opportunities for collaboration between AITEC World, ENA and Pulse of Africa, particularly around the Africa Tourism Dialogue and future initiatives designed to strengthen Africa’s tourism and economic narrative.
Exploring Ethiopia’s Media Heritage
During the visit, Amb. Balogun was taken on a tour of the facilities of the Ethiopian News Agency, including its museum, which houses important historical materials and relics documenting aspects of Ethiopia’s rich media and national heritage.
The tour provided an opportunity to appreciate the role of journalism and public communication in preserving Africa’s history and shaping the continent’s contemporary narrative.
He subsequently toured the facilities of Pulse of Africa, gaining an insight into its modern broadcasting and production infrastructure.
The facility includes three standard studios, a conference hall, multiple editing suites, a professional control room and a gym**, among other facilities designed to support broadcasting, content production and media operations.
Pulse of Africa and the African Narrative
Pulse of Africa represents an important platform for contemporary African storytelling, with a focus on bringing African issues, developments, people, culture and opportunities to wider audiences.
For AITEC World, stronger engagement with media organisations such as POA is seen as an opportunity to increase visibility for Africa’s tourism destinations, investment opportunities, cultural assets and economic potential.
The proposed collaboration around the Africa Tourism Dialogue would also create opportunities for greater media engagement before, during and after the event, helping to amplify conversations on tourism development, regional integration, investment, youth empowerment and the role of tourism in Africa’s economic transformation.
A Call for Greater Collaboration
During his engagements, Amb. Balogun formally expressed AITEC World’s interest in developing a partnership with ENA and Pulse of Africa around the Africa Tourism Dialogue,, while also exploring broader areas of cooperation for future projects.
He noted the importance of bringing together tourism institutions, governments, the private sector, media organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to build stronger connections across Africa’s tourism ecosystem.
He also expressed his appreciation to the management of both organisations for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him during the visit, assuring them of his continued support and commitment to initiatives that contribute to Africa’s tourism and economic development.
Amb. Balogun particularly appreciated Mr. Ashenafi Habte for facilitating the visit, as well as members of the Oromia Tourism Team and the management representatives of ENA and Pulse of Africa who received him.
The visit further underscored the growing importance of media-tourism partnerships in promoting Africa to the world and connecting the world more effectively with Africa’s tourism, cultural and economic opportunities.
