Adesina calls for challenging negative stereotypes and promoting a positive image of Africa on the global stage

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank Group, has called for an end to the negative stereotyping of Africa in the international media and a more positive portrayal of the continent’s development. Speaking at the All Africa Media Leaders’ Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, Adesina emphasized the need for a more balanced coverage of Africa to highlight its significant progress and resilience.

Adesina pointed out that despite the prevailing negative narrative, Africa is home to 11 out of the 20 fastest-growing economies in the world. He also highlighted positive developments such as the peaceful elections in Senegal, which were widely praised for their transparency and peaceful outcome.

The president of the African Development Bank Group lamented that positive news about Africa, such as the bank’s AAA rating and successful financial initiatives, often goes underreported in the global media. He emphasized that the negative stereotypes perpetuated by the media have real consequences on the continent’s development trajectory, impacting investor confidence and raising the cost of capital for investment.

To counter these negative narratives, Adesina called for African voices to take the lead in shaping the continent’s image. He proposed the establishment of a globally respected African media company supported by regional financial institutions to promote positive stories about Africa to the world.

Furthermore, Adesina announced the creation of an Annual Africa Media Prize and African Journalists’ and Correspondents’ Fellowships to strengthen the capacities of journalists reporting on the continent. He reiterated the AfDB’s commitment to supporting African media institutions and promoting more balanced media coverage of Africa’s successes and progress.