Mali hosts pan-African media forum in Bamako

Mali’s Prime Minister, Brigadier General Abdoulaye Maïga, attended the opening of panel discussions at the Pan-African Media Dialogue Forum in Bamako. The panels covered key themes including “Media literacy: a civic challenge in the digital age,” “Information disorder: the MDM triptych and verification tools,” and “Teaching and training in media education.”

Morocco, the guest of honour, was prominently represented at the forum, which took place from 3 to 6 June 2026.

Aziz Boucetta, director of publication at Panorapost.com, said: “The pan-African family is meeting in Mali to discuss Africa’s challenges, which are entirely surmountable once we become aware of them.” He added that “Morocco responded to Mali’s invitation and will bring its perspective while hoping to forge partnerships for the continent’s development.”

Aboubacar Abdoulwahidou Maïga, director general of a journalism school and a panellist, noted: “The proportion of Malians connected to the internet rose from 2% in 2012 to 35% today, 80% of whom are under 35. Within this group, 60% get their information via social networks.” He stressed the lack of digitalisation of Malian media, without which the media industry cannot be profitable.

Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga underlined the strategic importance of journalists in the current context: “Our sub-region faces complex security challenges, often accompanied by an intense battle of perception. Contemporary conflicts are no longer waged solely on the military field but also on the digital and information media front. In this context, the journalist becomes a strategic actor for state stability, social cohesion and societal resilience.”

He concluded by insisting on strengthening national and African skills: “It is important to reinforce the professional capacity of the media so that they can fully accomplish their mission.”