Capacity-Building Training Equips Ethiopian Journalists to Uphold Nat’l Interests, Professional Standards

Addis Ababa, March 21, 2026 (ENA) —Some 36 journalists drawn from both public and private media institutions have successfully completed a 21-day capacity-building training organized by the Ethiopian Media Center of Excellence.

The training, designed to strengthen professional competence and enhance ethical reporting, brought together media practitioners seeking to upgrade their skills and adapt to the evolving demands of journalism.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service and Board Chairman of the Ethiopian Media Authority, Redwan Hussien, emphasized the critical role of such training in nation-building.

He noted that enhancing journalists’ capacity contributes to improved communication between the public and key institutions, while reinforcing responsible and informed reporting.

He further stated that the program serves as an eye-opening experience for participants, enabling them to deepen their knowledge, uphold accountability in media coverage, and strengthen professional standards.

He added that similar training programs will continue in subsequent rounds to benefit more journalists across the country.

Ethiopian Media Authority Director General, Haymanot Zelke, on her part, described the first round of the training as a significant milestone for the media sector. She underscored its importance in addressing existing skill gaps and promoting professionalism within the industry.

The training program is part of ongoing efforts to build a competent and responsible media landscape capable of supporting national development priorities.

The Ethiopian Media Authority established the Ethiopian Media Center of Excellence to serve as a national hub for media development and capacity building. The center focuses on enhancing the competence of journalists and media leaders through practical, evidence-based training programs that align with the country’s needs.

With a strong emphasis on professionalism, freedom of expression, and media independence, the center offers specialized training in key areas such as election, financial, and health journalism. It adopts an inclusive and technology-driven approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills tailored to the Ethiopian context.

Through partnerships with media institutions, academic organizations, and industry experts, the center is working to bridge the gap between academic journalism education and real-world practice, while contributing to the broader transformation of the media sector in Ethiopia and beyond.