Addis Ababa, December 5, 2025 (FMC) — Africa’s leading media professionals gathered in Addis Ababa last night for the inaugural Pan-African Media Awards, marking a milestone event that reinforces the capital’s growing role in continental and multilateral affairs.
The awards, organized under the theme “A Common Continent for a Common Goal”, brought together more than 800 journalists, media executives and digital content creators from 40 African countries, highlighting the continent’s ambition to tell its own stories and celebrate its achievements.
In a statement following the event, the Government Communication Service (GCS) emphasized that Ethiopia will continue strengthening support for the media sector, recognizing it as a cornerstone of democracy and national development.
Addis Ababa, the seat of the African Union and a hub for multilateral diplomacy, was chosen to host the awards due to its rapidly transforming infrastructure and urban landscape, which have made the city a convenient and vibrant gathering place for leaders, media professionals, and international delegations. The presence of Ethiopian Airlines, offering seamless connectivity across the continent and beyond, further supported the successful hosting of the event.
The Pan-African Media Awards aim to elevate African journalism, broadcasting, digital media and narrative-building, giving media professionals a platform to showcase creativity, excellence, and Africa-centered storytelling. The initiative also seeks to counter negative narratives about the continent from abroad by empowering Africans to define their own identity and achievements.
Organizers and partners behind the awards include African Union Broadcasting, the Patrice Lumumba Foundation, the Kwame Nkrumah Foundation, the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation, the Kenneth Kaunda Legacy Foundation, the Sisulu Foundation for Social Justice, and the PLO Lumumba Foundation.
The GCS statement highlighted Addis Ababa’s continuing role as a capital of peace, cooperation, and Pan-Africanism, and reiterated that the government remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote Africa’s achievements and strengthen the media sector.
“Media is a key force in shaping societies. By empowering our journalists and media organizations, we ensure that Africa speaks for itself and celebrates its rich identity and progress,” the statement said.
The successful hosting of the Pan-African Media Awards underscores Addis Ababa’s emergence as a hub for continental gatherings, bringing together stakeholders across journalism, policy, and diplomacy to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across Africa.