The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has re-scheduled the 2020 edition of the West Africa Media Excellence Conference and Awards (WAMECA) to November 13-14, 2020.
The new date follows the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the return to a semblance of normalcy globally and in Ghana. The theme for WAMECA 2020 – “The Future of Journalism in Africa” – has become even more suitable considering the blow the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt the media industry over the last few months.
This year’s event will be held in Accra, Ghana and will be a combination of both virtual and in-person meetings. It will feature journalists, editors, media development experts, academics and representatives from public sector, civil society organisations and other regional and international organisations.
Conversations at the Conference will focus on issues such as the financial crisis and sustainability challenges posed by the global pandemic; abuse of freedom of expression and some repressive policies by governments, the massive layoff of journalists and media workers, as well as the gains and deficits in the utilization of digital tools for the media in West Africa. Participants will deliberate, share lessons and experiences and proffer key recommendations on improving the viability of the media going forward.
The Awards Ceremony, which pinnacles the event, will honour journalists in West Africa who have produced compelling works that are positively impacting lives in society. Call for entries for the awards ceremony also opens on September 07, 2020.
WAMECA is an initiative of the MFWA to promote media excellence in the sub region. The Conference brings together stakeholders in the media industry in West Africa and beyond to deliberate on key challenges to media development and explore ways to support the media to promote good governance, regional integration and peace.
