Minister of Information and Media Chushi Kasanda says the media plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration among nations, bridging information gaps and shaping perceptions.
Ms Kasanda has implored Africa countries to leverage on the diversity of media platforms and also take advantage of advances in Information Communication Technologies (ICTs).
She called for the inclusion of diverse voices regardless of one’s status as it is key in fostering unity.
Ms Kasanda also stressed on the need to invest in media infrastructure and technology as it is essential in promoting socio-economic growth.
She said the expansion of media coverage has created avenues for dialogue.
Ms Kasanda urged the media to empower citizens with accurate and correct information so as to avoid misinformation.
The Minister said this when she made an address at the on-going 6th BRICS Media Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday.
She noted that citizens will only engage in meaningful dialogue if they are empowered with the right information.
Meanwhile the Minister also emphasized on the need to promote collaboration and partnerships with BRICS nations, so as to stimulate Africa’s growth.
She called for joint ventures, content sharing, and collaborative projects to showcase Africa’s beauty and potential.
The Minister underscored the need to develop local content as this has the potential to create job opportunities for storytellers, filmmakers, musicians, and journalists.
Ms Kasanda said locally produced content will create a platform for Africa to tell its own narrative and present its unique vision to the world.
And in a related development, Ms Kasanda said the media plays a pivotal role in promoting peace, stability, and social cohesion through the dissemination of accurate and unbiased information.
She called for responsible journalism and the use of media as a tool to address Africa’s challenges.
This is according to a press statement issued to ZANIS by the Public and Media Relations Unit of the Ministry of Information and Media in Lusaka
