Ethiopia Reaffirms Leadership in Driving Africa’s Digital Narrative Through Homegrown Storytelling

Addis Ababa, June 18, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia will continue to play a leading role in shaping Africa’s narrative by advancing African-led digital content creation and authentic storytelling, Minister Coordinator of the Democracy System Building Center at the Office of the Prime Minister, Bikila Hurisa, has said.

The minister made the remarks during a recognition ceremony honoring institutions and individuals who contributed to the successful organization of the inaugural African Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS) 2026, held in Addis Ababa from May 7 to 8.

The summit brought together social media influencers, digital content creators, and communication professionals from across Africa to deliberate on the continent’s evolving digital landscape and the growing role of Africans in telling Africa’s own stories.

Organized in collaboration with relevant partners, the summit was hosted at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum. Participants also visited major development projects and tourist destinations in Addis Ababa and other parts of Ethiopia.

ASMIS 2026 sought to project an authentic image of Africa to the global community while encouraging Africans to take greater ownership of the continent’s digital transformation and narrative.

The recognition ceremony was attended by senior government officials and media leaders, including Tourism State Minister Endegena Abebe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Nebiat Getachew, and AGA Tech Enterprises Deputy Head Abdi Tena.

Addressing participants, Bikila said presenting Ethiopia’s authentic stories not only strengthens the country’s international image but also serves as an inspiration and reference point for other African nations.

He noted that Ethiopia is increasingly earning recognition as an anchor state, attributing part of that growing stature to the positive narratives being amplified through African media institutions and digital platforms.

The minister stressed that media organizations have a critical responsibility to counter misinformation and distorted perceptions about Ethiopia and Africa, urging stakeholders to further strengthen collaboration in promoting accurate and constructive narratives.

He also underscored the growing influence of African social media creators in projecting balanced and credible stories that reflect the continent’s realities and aspirations.

Tourism State Minister Endegena Abebe said ASMIS 2026 made a significant contribution to enhancing Ethiopia’s international image and visibility, emphasizing that nation-building remains a shared responsibility of all Ethiopians.

He said the partnerships forged through the summit helped showcase Ethiopia’s vast tourism potential and reaffirmed the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders to promote the country’s diverse attractions and investment opportunities globally.

Speaking at the event, Seife Deribe said the summit brought together nearly 200 Ethiopian and African influencers with a combined digital audience exceeding 480 million followers, local newswire service ENA reported.

Describing ASMIS 2026 as a landmark continental platform, he said the gathering highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing transformation, including Addis Ababa’s corridor development initiatives, while exposing participants to the country’s rich cultural, historical, and tourism assets.

He emphasized that mobilizing African influencers to amplify authentic and positive stories will remain essential to strengthening Africa’s voice and reshaping global perceptions of both Ethiopia and the continent.