Ethiopia Lauded as Driving Force of Pan-African Unity at Continental Media Awards

Addis Ababa, December 8, 2025—Ethiopia received widespread praise last week for its growing leadership in advancing Pan-Africanism as it hosted two major continental events: the IGAD Media Awards 2025 and the African Media Awards and Excellence Conference.

Over five days, media leaders, policymakers, and descendants of Africa’s liberation icons gathered in Addis Ababa, commending Ethiopia’s “indispensable” role in promoting African unity, self-reliance, and regional integration.

Participants described Ethiopia as a “pillar” in shaping Africa’s future and a catalyst for strengthening the continent’s media landscape.

Speaking to ENA, Francis Nyerere, grandson of Tanzania’s founding president Julius Nyerere, said Africa’s progress depends on collective action—economically and in the media sector.

“We cannot build our economy without integrating our regions,” he said. “Africa must unite, and we have to make it.”

Ayanda Holo, President of TV BRICS Africa, warned that Africa risks “recolonization” unless nations recommit to Pan-African ideals and the self-sufficiency envisioned in Agenda 2063.

“We cannot be islands in our own continent; we need to work together,” he emphasized.

Athi Mtongana of RT said a “unified voice” was emerging from the discussions, urging nations to leverage their shared challenges and resource wealth to pursue collective solutions.

She highlighted Ethiopia’s distinction as the only African country never colonized—a legacy she said offers valuable lessons on sovereignty and resilience.

From Nigeria, Favour Barbara George urged African nations to reclaim their narratives: “We Africans should be in a position to tell our story the way it should be told. Unity and togetherness are what will make us stand out.”

Speakers repeatedly underscored Ethiopia’s historic role in the Pan-African movement—its unbroken sovereignty, its support for liberation struggles, and Addis Ababa’s status as the birthplace of the OAU and home of the African Union.

Ethiopia’s hosting of Nelson Mandela during his military training was also recalled as a symbol of enduring solidarity.

The forum concluded with a forceful call for deeper media cooperation across the continent.

Participants urged African institutions to strengthen partnerships so Africans “do not rely on Western agencies to tell us about each other.”

A unified media voice, they said, is essential for shifting global narratives and ensuring that African stories are told by Africans.