"The future of media in Africa lies in convergence and partnerships," said Linus Gitahi, CEO, Nation Media Group, Kenya and publisher of The Nation. "We cannot wish away an idea whose time has come."
The event "African Media Leaders Forum: Shaping the Future of Africa's Media," was co-sponsored by AllAfrica Global Media, a content service provider, and the World Bank.
"Media constitute an essential part of the dialogue on development in Africa," said Eric Chinje, manager, Africa region external affairs, The World Bank. "The forum was an important opportunity to engage media leaders and help place media at the heart of the development process in Africa."
The "Dakar Declaration" issued by African media leaders agreed to:
"The forum, the first of its kind, was a great success," said Amadou Mahtar Ba, President of AllAfrica.Com. "The far-reaching Dakar Declaration will help to strengthen media development efforts across Africa, and contribute to journalistic excellence on the continent."
The second forum will be hosted by the Nation Media Group in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2009.