ADDIS ABABA-
Africa witnessed a historic milestone in its media evolution as the African Media Awards (AMA) and the African Media Excellence Conference were officially launched in Addis Ababa, marking the largest media event ever staged on the continent.
Organized by the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB) in partnership with RT and leading African foundations, the inaugural ceremony took place on December 3–4, 2025, bringing together political leaders, descendants of Africa’s legendary freedom icons, global media executives, creatives, and influencers.
Broadcast live across 42 television channels in 22 African countries, the event reached a combined audience of over 400 million viewers, positioning the African Media Awards as a defining global media moment.
“RT Managed to Overshadow the Emmys” — Ndileka Mandela
The scale and impact of the ceremony drew global praise, including from Ndileka Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, who described the event as:
“A Golden Globe-level epic. RT managed to pull off something that overshadowed the Emmys.”
Strengthening Journalism and Pan-African Voices
Opening the ceremony, Ethiopia’s Minister of Government Communication Service, Enatalem Melese, emphasized the broader significance of the initiative:
“By honoring excellence in journalism, we are not only celebrating individual achievements, but strengthening professional standards across Africa.”
She added that the event reignited the spirit of Pan-Africanism, amplifying Africa’s voice with confidence, clarity, and unity for a new generation.
Golden Alkebulan Honors Africa’s Best Storytellers
Out of over 800 submissions from 41 countries, journalists from Nigeria, Tanzania, Senegal, Zambia, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia emerged as winners across categories ranging from investigative journalism to documentary filmmaking.
Each winner received the prestigious “Golden Alkebulan” statuette — a symbolic representation of the African continent and its storytelling power.
High-Level Attendance and Continental Unity
The ceremony attracted an extraordinary lineup of dignitaries, including:
Former President of Namibia, Nangolo Mbumba
Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, Selamawit Kassa
Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Palamagamba Kabudi
Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Information, Nick Mangwana
Former South African Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu
Director General of the African Union of Broadcasting, Grégoire Ndjaka
Also in attendance were descendants of Africa’s legendary leaders, including those of Nelson Mandela, Patrice Lumumba, Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Kenneth Kaunda, Oliver Tambo, and Steve Biko, alongside over 60 heads of major African media organizations.
A New Narrative for African Media
Tanzania’s Minister Palamagamba Kabudi highlighted the importance of media plurality:
“For many years, Africa relied heavily on Western news channels. RT offers another source — one built on mutual respect and balance.”
Culture, Performance, and Global Reach
The ceremony blended journalism with culture and entertainment, featuring performances by leading African musicians and sports icons, including Emmanuel Adebayor, Betty G, and Madagascar’s Denise, alongside children’s dance groups from Uganda.
The event also featured prominent Pan-African voices such as Professor P.L.O. Lumumba, global influencers, and Miss World Africa, Hasset Dereje.
African Media Excellence Conference: Shaping the Future
Earlier on the same day, the African Media Excellence Conference convened policymakers, media executives, and thought leaders to discuss:
Africa’s voice in a multipolar world
Media partnerships and technology
AI and innovation in African storytelling
Elevating African content to global platforms
A Continental Partnership
The African Media Awards and Conference were co-organized by RT alongside major African institutions, including:
African Union of Broadcasting
Patrice Emery Lumumba Foundation
Kwame Nkrumah Foundation
Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation
Kenneth Kaunda Legacy Foundation
Sisulu Foundation for Social Justice
PLO Lumumba Foundation
Speaking ahead of the event, RT Director General Vera Kharina stated:
“Africa’s strength lies in its diversity of voices. These awards will amplify African stories, challenge neo-colonial narratives, and showcase the continent’s vibrant identities to the world.”
A New Global Standard for African Media
With its unprecedented scale, reach, and symbolism, the African Media Awards has firmly established itself as Africa’s premier platform for media excellence, setting a new benchmark for journalism, creativity, and storytelling across the continent.
