Pulse of Africa Media Launch Ushers in Fresh Chapter for Africa’s Narrative, Trainee Diplomats Assert

 

Addis Ababa, October 7, 2025 (ENA)—The launch of Pulse of Africa (POA), a new transcontinental media platform, marks a pivotal step in reshaping Africa’s narrative, trainee diplomats at the African Union said.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially launched today POA, a media platform dedicated to protecting Africa’s interests on the global stage and correcting distorted portrayals of the continent with accurate, trustworthy information.

Approached by POA, the trainee diplomats expressed their conviction that the Pulse of Africa media platform is envisioned to serve as a credible source of news and information about the continent.

They particularly expressed confidence that the Addis Ababa-based platform, will play a pivotal role in countering disinformation, promoting shared aspirations and amplifying Pan-African voices.

An Ethiopiantrainee diplomat, Natan Getachew, described Pulse of Africa as a timely and powerful initiative to reimagine Africa’s media discourse.

He noted that the initiative is especially fitting for Ethiopia, a staunch advocate of Pan-Africanism and the continent’s economic, political, and social integration.

“We Ethiopians have played a major role on the continent. In that regard, for over 50 years—since the establishment of the Organization of African Unity—we have continued to play a leading role, even after the African Union was established in the early 2000s,” the cadet said.

Guided by his Pan-African vision, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has spearheaded efforts to establish a transcontinental media platform aimed at uniting African voices and perspectives, it was learned.

"I would like to propose to this august body the establishment of an African Union Continental Media House," said Abiy, in his welcoming remarks at the 35th ordinary Session of the AU Assembly.

The launch of Pulse of Africa marks the realization of this vision, translating his long-held dream into a concrete achievement.

The Prime Minister voiced concern that international media often give a misleading image of Africa.

"The stereotypical and negative media representations of Africa not only disinforms the rest of the world about our continent, but it also shapes the way we see ourselves as Africans," said Abiy.

Explaining the urgent need for establishing a transcontinental media platform like POA, the Prime Minister noted that Africa is often portrayed negatively in international media.

"The endless representation as a continent troubled by civil wars, hunger, corruption, greed, disease and poverty is demeaning and dehumanizing and likely driven by a calculated strategy and agenda," he said.

 While echoing the Prime Minister of Ethiopia’s concerns, the trainee diplomat noted that Africa’s image has long been misrepresented. “I don’t want to repeat the stereotypes, but we all know how we are perceived abroad,” he stated.

He added that now is the appropriate time to showcase the true spirit of Africa and Pan-Africanism.

The launch of Pulse of Africa, he said, comes at the right moment, as the media platform can help promote a positive image of the continent, he said, adding that: “It is very encouraging, and I am very excited to watch it and to continue supporting it.”

The launch of Pulse of Africa represents an unprecedented initiative that will contribute significantly to fostering a shared narrative among Africa’s youth, another young trainee diplomat, Hasset Abera emphasized.

“We all aspire to see a united and strong Africa. For too long, we have not been represented the way we truly are. In that regard, Pulse of Africa will provide a platform to convey the authentic story of our continent,” she said.

The Pulse of Africa will mark a historic departure in the African media industry, narrating the continent’s stories from Addis Ababa, Africa’s political capital, another senior diplomat, Dimru Bekele, told POA.

Moreover, cadet Glory debebe told POA: “Pulse of Africa will give us a firsthand platform for expression and connect Africa with the rest of the world. I encourage everyone to follow and support this media platform.”

Speaking at the launch of POA, Prime Minister Abiy said today Pulse of Africa represents such a significant and humble beginning and one that, in the coming years, is poised to grow into a leading continental media platform.