In a groundbreaking event that promises to revolutionize journalism in the region, a record number of 300 journalists, media professionals, academics, policymakers, and government institutions are preparing to attend the median West African Journalism Innovation Conference (WAJIC).
The conference, scheduled to take place in Abuja, aims to foster collaboration, skill-building, networking among journalists from various backgrounds and meaningful connections that can transform the landscape of journalism in West Africa.
The highly anticipated conference will feature a diverse range of speakers, interactive workshops, and immersive sessions designed to promote innovative approaches in journalism.
Organized by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), this conference represents a unique opportunity for journalists to come together and exchange ideas. It seeks to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt to the changing landscape of the media industry.
The conference which will take place between July 24 and 26, 2023, will be starting with an Art Exhibition on the evening of 24th July and the conference will run through the 25th and 26th in the city of Abuja, the Federal Capital of Nigeria.
According to the organisers, “#WAJIC2023 will convene the largest body of journalists, media professionals, the academic community, policymakers, government institutions, and other relevant stakeholders across West Africa to discuss the state of accountability journalism in West Africa and how innovation is impacting its evolution, values and principles.
“The conference will feature workshops, expert panels, and explore media innovations and technological tools that can fortify journalism practice in the African region. It will also foster networking opportunities and collaboration that can improve accountability journalism in ways that meet the yearnings of democracy and development in the interest of Africa”.
The 300 expected delegates will together explore innovative approaches to accountability journalism along these thematic areas: The Future of Journalism Education, Advancing Investigative Reporting for Democratic Accountability, Driving Accountability with Data Journalism: Methods, Analysis, and Visualization and Solutions Approach to Journalism.
Others are: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Technology and Journalism Interface, Press Freedom and Shrinking Spaces, Media in West Africa Elections: Observation, Reporting, and Polling, Media and Society, Information Disorder in the Digital Age, Exploring Funding and Sustainability and Models for Newsrooms.
