In Bamako, Malian Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga launched a pivotal forum for media professionals, setting the stage for discussions on pressing topics. The agenda explored media education as a civic duty in the digital age, methods for navigating informational disorder, and the modernization of journalism training programs.
The event, which ran from June 3 to 6, 2026, welcomed Morocco as the guest of honor, marked by a strong delegation from the country.
Aziz Boucetta, publication director of Panorapost.com, framed the event as a key moment for continental unity. He described it as an opportunity for “the pan-African family to meet in Mali to discuss Africa’s problems, which are perfectly surmountable once we become aware of them.” He added that Morocco was present to share its viewpoint and was eager to build partnerships for the development of the African continent.
Highlighting the digital shift in Mali, journalism school director and panelist Aboubacar Abdoulwahidou Maïga shared compelling statistics. “The percentage of connected Malians has risen from 2% in 2012 to 35% today, with 80% of them being young people under 35,” he explained. “Within this population segment, 60% get their information through social media.”
Abdoulwahidou Maïga also pointed to the inadequate digitalization of Malian media, which he identified as a significant hurdle preventing the industry from achieving profitability.
The head of government, Brigadier General Abdoulaye Maïga, underscored the connection between media and regional security. “Our sub-region faces complex security challenges that are often accompanied by an intense battle of perception,” he remarked. He noted that contemporary conflicts are fought not only on military grounds but also in the digital and informational spheres. “In this context, the journalist becomes a strategic actor for the stability of states, social cohesion, and the resilience of societies.”
He concluded by emphasizing the need to develop local and African skills, stating, “It is important to strengthen the professional capacity of the media so they can fully accomplish their mission.”
