At the 7th General Assembly of the Atlantic Federation of African News Agencies (FAAPA) which commenced in Salé, Morocco, on Monday, the heads of African news agencies, media experts, and influential figures from the African Atlantic region convened to deliberate on strategies for reinforcing African sovereignty through the use of information.
With this year’s assembly focusing on the theme of “African information: a Major Sovereignty Challenge,” the panel taking center stage during the Assembly’s sessions is the one on “African Sovereignty in Action: Perspectives on Information and the Initiative for the Atlantic region,” to raise awareness of the vital role news agencies and their trade association, FAAPA, play in promoting information cooperation along the Atlantic coast.
Fouad Arif, Head of the Moroccan News Agency (MAP) and the current President of FAAPA, spoke at the event’s opening, highlighting the crucial role that African news agencies play in maintaining the continent’s sovereignty.
Maintaining media sovereignty within the countries on the African continent also supports development in the Sahel-Atlantic region.
Participants are expected to attend interactive workshops and debates over the course of the two-day General Assembly that are designed to explore strategies for African news agencies to support sovereignty on the continent.
The Policy Center for the New South at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is scheduled to hold a major symposium which will explore the African Atlantic’s manifold potential, from regional integration to sustainable development.
The FAAPA will also announce the winners of its Media Grand Prix 2022 & 2023 for best article, best video report, and best photo. The Federation’s news agency members will also have an opportunity to sign collaboration and partnership agreements during the event.
Created in 2014, FAAPA is a professional platform for pondering the role of African news agencies in the 21st century and beyond. Comprised of 30 press agencies and professional groups, its purpose is to promote cooperation and dialog between agencies in all areas of common interest, including information, training, and multimedia content.