Kathmandu— Officials from China and across the African continent convened in Beijing this week to discuss strengthening collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI) within the media sector. The seventh Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation brought together approximately 400 delegates from 45 African nations and China, including broadcasting regulators, media representatives, and academics, to explore how AI can drive innovation in content creation, distribution, and accessibility. Discussions centered on leveraging technology to overcome language barriers and expand audience reach while also addressing the need for robust governance frameworks surrounding AI’s use in media.

AI's Transformative Potential

Experts at the forum emphasized that the broadcasting industry is undergoing a fundamental shift driven by AI, digital transformation, and evolving audience behaviors. Gregoire Ndjaka, Director General of the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), noted that these changes are reshaping how events are produced, distributed, and consumed. Nomsa Lebogang Chabeli, CEO of South African Broadcasting Corporation, affirmed AI’s positive role in media development, highlighting its ability to overcome language barriers, broaden access for wider audiences, and enable content production for multi-platform distribution.

Seeking Collaborative Development

Sierra Leone's Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Abduli Bah, expressed his country’s desire for increased collaboration with China in media technology. He emphasized the importance of African nations being actively involved in the creation of AI models tailored to their specific needs, stating, "It's not just about us benefiting from Chinese technology. It is for us to be part of the process of creating AI models and technologies so that these models can be responsive to our needs."

Addressing Regulatory Concerns

While acknowledging the benefits of AI in media, Chabeli also cautioned against potential risks and underscored the importance of addressing challenges related to regulation and governance. She suggested that China and African nations could jointly explore solutions by sharing experiences and enhancing collaboration in this critical area.

The forum concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening media cooperation between China and Africa, particularly as they prepare for the designated China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges in 2026. The event is expected to serve as a continuing platform for dialogue and collaboration on AI applications within the media sector.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.