SIMA aims to establish a pan-african network to shape an innovative and cooperative African journalism for the future

The creation of a future Pan-African network to translate into concrete and sustainable actions the recommendations emerging from the first edition of the International African Media Exhibition (SIMA) is one of the key outcomes of the gathering, which concluded on Thursday, 30 October 2025, in Dakar, Senegal. “We have decided to establish a strong and inclusive network aimed at transforming the suggestions and exchanges from this inaugural edition of SIMA into real projects and actions,” stated SIMA Coordinator, Mac-tar Silla.

In addition to this recommendation, participants also proposed the establishment of a Pan-African radio station and a television series highlighting African narratives.

“We wanted to demonstrate through this exhibition that it is possible to bring Africans together around a common vision, to pool our strengths, and to invest in our human capital,” added Mactar Silla.

According to him, the International African Media Exhibition should be viewed as a reference platform for the transformation and sustainability of African media. “This first edition of SIMA has revealed our ability to work collectively and to believe in African media,” he emphasized.

For his part, the Director General of the Babacar Touré Press House of Senegal, Mr. Sambou Biagui, noted that this edition has enabled the emergence of new perspectives for the development of African media, particularly regarding digital transformation, ethics, journalist safety, and media diversification.

“We have taken an important step in consolidating our ties and enhancing the visibility of our media at both the African and international levels. This event reflects our shared commitment to making African media a driving force for development, democracy, and social progress,” said Sambou Biagui.

He commended the quality and constructive nature of the discussions, which he described as strong pillars that will support African media in addressing present and future challenges. He expressed confidence that the ambitious momentum of SIMA will continue into 2026.

The Babacar Touré Press House, in collaboration with its institutional partners, reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing concrete initiatives aimed at strengthening media capacity and promoting the independence of African media.

Sambou Biagui further called on all media stakeholders to make SIMA a catalyst for the rebirth of African journalism in service of truth, freedom, and the sustainable development of the African continent.

From a statistical standpoint, the SIMA Steering Committee estimates that 700 guests attended the opening ceremony of the event, which seeks to establish itself as a major Pan-African gathering. Moreover, approximately 3,500 participants attended the 14 panel sessions, representing an average of 250 participants per session.

The closing ceremony of the inaugural edition of SIMA was attended by the representative of the Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, Liberia’s Deputy Minister of Information and Tourism, Daniel Sando, and the Minister of Information of The Gambia, Ismaila Ceesay. Delegations from Chad, Mali (Guest of Honour), and several other African countries also participated.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission was also represented. The President of the Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, was represented by Mr. Liberor Doscof Aho, Communication Officer at the Commission, and Ms. Linda Akhigbe, Senior Communication Adviser to the President.