Katharina Link Speaks at ABMI 2025, Signs Landmark Open Letter on Strengthening African Media

As editors and media leaders across Africa, we come together at a pivotal moment for both our industry and our continent. Independent media has long served as a cornerstone of democracy and development. It holds power to account, informs citizens, amplifies underrepresented voices, and drives transparency — all while fostering investor confidence and enabling economic growth.

Yet today, this essential institution is under growing pressure. Demographics are shifting, and so are audience expectations. Competition from non-traditional content producers is increasing. We are facing a new wave of misinformation. And as instantaneous content becomes the norm, traditional business models will no longer be fit for purpose.

These challenges are not new. For over a decade, media houses across the continent have been working tirelessly to address them, exploring new ways of working, producing and connecting with our audience. But the pace of disruption has intensified.

AI is expected to profoundly transform our sector once again. African media can no longer do without the investment in infrastructure, training and innovation in the technological advances that will shape the next decade of news.

On June 8-10, we met in Zambia for the Africa Media Business Innovators 2025 organized by Bloomberg. News is a relentlessly fast industry, but this was a rare moment to catch our breath, take stock of these unprecedented challenges and share ideas on what needs to be done. What we heard was not a story of decline — it was one of opportunity. Those in attendance in Zambia shared how they have already started to experiment with new business models and uses for emerging technologies. We heard about the numerous assets already available on the continent: its youth, making Africa both the world’s fastest growing media market and a critical producer of content and data globally; and its economic success, with African nations outperforming the rest of the world in GDP growth.

And, importantly, we have heard how other sectors – including African fintech – have successfully navigated and overcome challenges that may inspire African media leaders to find innovative solutions to strengthen and grow the industry.

The case for investments in credible and independent media ecosystems that support journalists has never been stronger. But it is up to African media themselves to take ownership of their own narratives and showcase their potential to investors and partners. And here is how it can happen:

• Invest in ideas. As paper distribution becomes less central, media organizations must reimagine themselves as platforms for discussions and partnerships, without compromising journalistic integrity.
• Don’t fear new technology: embrace it. Social media may have increased competition for attention, but it allowed us to diversify our audiences and get closer to our readers. With the right guardrails, AI, too, can become a powerful tool for journalism. Training our journalists on new technologies is essential.
• Collaborate and share: Africa is a diverse continent, yet many of our challenges, including misperceptions, are shared. By sharing success stories and working collectively with regional and global partners, we can build a stronger, more connected media ecosystem.
• Bolster business journalism. Set up young African writers for a career in business journalism by showing your support for what a financially literate press can do for the continent’s economic future.
  A robust press contributes to good governance, exposes corruption, empowers communities, and helps unlock investment and inclusive economic opportunities for all.
  

We believe in the power of journalism to shape Africa’s future — but we cannot do it alone. It will take a collective effort from readers, policymakers, investors, and practitioners to protect, strengthen, and invest in our democracies and economies, which so critically need strong and independent media.

Signed,
Matthew Winkler, Co-founder & Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Bloomberg News
Jacqueline Simmons, Editorial Lead-Europe, Middle East & Africa, Bloomberg News
Samuel Attah-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer, Citi FM and Channel One TV
Amadou Mahtar Ba, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, AllAfrica
Nomsa Chabeli, Group Chief Executive Office, SABC
Styli Charalambous, Founding Chief Executive Officer and Publisher, The Daily Maverick
Adeyeye Joseph, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Punch Newspapers
Richard Ikiebe, Chairman, BusinessDay Nigeria
Davies L. Kabuswe, Executive President, Sun Broadcasting Holdings Limited (Sun FM, Sun TV, SunSports TV, Konkola Radio)
Sipho Kings, Co-founder and Publisher, The Continent
Katharina Link, Chief Executive Officer, Pulse, Business Insider Africa
Mary Mbewe, Editor, Daily Nation Newspaper Zambia
Lamine Niang, Director, Le Soleil
Adama Wade, Publishing Editor, Financial Afrik

Benard Atta was selected as one of just 46 professionals across Africa to join the Elevate Africa Scholarship, an initiative by the International News Media Association and Google News Initiative that provides training and professional development for emerging news media talent. Benard shares his journey and expectations with us.

Who is Benard Atta?

I’m a visual storyteller, cinematographer, editor, and an all-round creative with a deep love for captivating narratives. I believe everyone has a story that matters, and I enjoy telling those stories in a way that resonates. I’m currently part of the video team at Pulse Nigeria, where I get to bring ideas to life through video content that informs, entertains, and engages.

What sparked your interest in video storytelling, and how did that path lead you to Pulse Nigeria?

I’ve always been fascinated by the power of visuals, how a well-edited video can evoke emotion and spark conversation. I started off experimenting with short videos and editing skits for friends, and over time, it grew into something more professional. Pulse has always stood out to me because of its bold and fresh approach to digital media. When the opportunity came to join the team, it felt like the perfect fit.

Describe a typical day on the Pulse video team. What’s the part you look forward to most?

Every day is different, and that’s part of the excitement. One day you’re on set shooting an interview, and the next you’re deep in post-production, trying to churn out content. I especially enjoy the brainstorming sessions with the social video team.

Which Pulse project has been your favourite so far, and why did it stand out?

I’ve had the privilege of working on some incredible projects over the years, but one that will always stand out for me is covering the End SARS protest back in October 2020. It’s something I’ll never forget, not just because of the intensity of the moment, but because of how everything unfolded.

Story time, lol: I remember being caught in a serious clash between area boys (touts) and police officers while covering the End SARS aftermath. It felt like a war zone. As dangerous as it was, I was fully in my element. I’ve always been drawn to documenting real, raw moments and this was one day when everything unfolded before my lens.

At one point, things got so violent I had to run for cover and found shelter in a nearby storey building. From up there, I kept filming. What I witnessed was wild: a full-blown battle that ended with the police fleeing their own station, which was later overrun and burned to the ground.

But it didn’t end there. On my way out, trying to find a safe route home, I was robbed by the same group of boys, now armed with guns they had seized from the police. They took my belongings, but thankfully, I managed to talk and pay my way out of losing my camera. 🥺

It’s a long story, one that left a mark on me professionally and personally.

How did you hear about the INMA Elevate Africa Scholarship, and what convinced you to apply?

I saw the opportunity on the INMA website. I first got to know about them through one of their media training programs shared by the Pulse management a few years ago, and since then I’ve been following the platform. When I saw the scholarship, I knew it was the kind of opportunity that could stretch me professionally and give me access to a broader network of thinkers and creative minds and to learn new things.

Where were you when you got the acceptance email, and what was your reaction?

I was in a creative session with the content team last week, brainstorming ideas for the Ojude Oba Festival, when the acceptance article was sent to me by Pulse CEO, Katharina Link. I immediately showed it to my colleague, and it was a really happy moment for me.

What skills or insights are you most excited to pick up from the scholarship program?

I’m really looking forward to learning more about the business of media, innovation and strategy, especially how to build sustainable digital media products in Africa’s unique landscape. Beyond that, I’m also excited to connect with other creatives and leaders across the continent and learn from their experiences.

Outside the office and edit suite, how do you unwind or find creative inspiration?

I’m a bit of a quiet observer, so I love observing people and pouring back my observations into my work. I also love listening to other creatives and learning from their knowledge.

Additionally, when I’m not working, you’ll most likely find me at an art, fashion, or music event somewhere in Lagos. It might sound like a lot, but I’m a genuine consumer of all things creative music, art, and fashion, constantly fueling my inspiration. These spaces help me stay connected to culture and trends, which often reflect in my work. And when I need some physical activity or just want to clear my head, swimming is my go-to. I love it; I know how to do it well, so why not? It’s both relaxing and refreshing.

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