Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Omphile Marupi says having signed the China-Africa Action Plan for Digital Cooperation and Development, they expect to witness tremendous development in the media digital sector.
He said during the 6th China Africa Media Cooperation and China-Africa Think Tank High Level Dialogue in Beijing. The session was termed; Innovation and Co-progress: Promoting Digital Empowerment for New Development in Media in China and Africa.
He said that they should not forget that they are living in the digital era saying that digital transformations in the mold of artificial intelligence are shaping the way they communicate.
“China remains a key driver of technological developments in Africa and the world through establishment of ICT infrastructure. This has fast tracked information gathering and dissemination
thus enhancing access to information. Now citizens with a smart phone gadget and broadband can communicate efficiently”, he said.
Dr Marupi indicated that this digital development status is an inspiration to Africa as they strive to create a ‘Digital Africa’. “I am also delighted that all Chinese communities have access to the internet and hopefully such development will be replicated in Africa”, he said.
Furthermore, he called on his fellow African brothers to roll up their sleeves and make the
dream of a fully digitalized Africa a reality. While encouraging their Chinese friends to remain resolute in making African dreams come true through technological transfers and training.
He further highlighted that the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035, adopted at the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Senegal in 2021, reaffirmed the digital cooperation and expanded it to areas such as spectrum management, 5G technology, satellite Internet, big data, e-commerce, smart cities and financing.
“We are grateful that in Africa’s technology sector, China’s role is seen as both a financier and infrastructure investor”, he stressed.
On the other hand, President of TV BRICS Africa from South Africa Mr Ayanda Hollow said that as they move forward, they should remember that this is just the beginning.
He said that their actions in the last year have set the stage for a future where the Global South is not just a passive consumer of content but an active creator.
“We are shaping the narrative, defining what it means to be part of the Global South Media, and sharing our values of harmony and Ubuntu with the world. These value systems, drawn from the depths of our ancient civilizations, have never been more relevant. They guide us in our efforts to mitigate the effects of Climate change and to fight against the many faces of poverty being poverty of food, energy, security, justice, and mind”, he stated.
He said that through their media, they are not just informing; they are empowering, educating, and inspiring their communities to rise above the challenges they face.
“Let us work together as partners in this incredible journey to ensure that the Global South’s voices are heard, felt, understood, and respected. It’s through our collective efforts that we can truly make a difference. This is our story, and it is one that we will continue to write together”, he emphasized.
The forum was co-hosted by the National Radio and Television Administration of China, the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality and African Union of Broadcasting.
Source: Lesotho News Agency (LENA) 22/8/2024
