Ethiopia Living Testament to Africa’s True Image: Social Media Influencers

Addis Ababa, May 9, 2026 —Ethiopia stands as a powerful living example of Africa’s true potential and vibrant reality, according to Social Media Influencers.

Speaking to ENA during the African Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS) 2026 in Addis Ababa, Boyzee Krish from Sierra Leonean emphasized Ethiopia’s progress directly challenges and dismantles long-standing negative narratives about the continent.

"Ethiopia is a living example showing that Africa is not 'dark.' Ethiopia has light, and as a vital part of our continent, it makes us deeply proud. We are incredibly happy to be here to witness this firsthand," Krish stated.

He expressed an eager desire to relive his first memorable experience in Ethiopia, noting that because it felt so novel, he would love to experience it all over again.

Emphasizing the significance of bringing together diverse influencers from across the continent to Addis Ababa, he remarked, "All of us are here today, which means I will be learning from another country, and another country will be learning from me."

He further elaborated that this gathering represents a vital exchange of culture and ideas.

Hence, he further elaborated it is an exchange of culture, idea and peace, love and unity as influencers are gathering together to make changes toward demonstrating true images of Africa.

"Let us be United Africa. Let us come together. Let us embrace this dream. Let us speak with one voice. Let us have one determination. Let us work for the same goal."

By doing so, he said Africa would become the leading continent. According to him, influencers have huge tool in their hands to positively impact Africa and build the continent’s true image.

On the benefit of the summit, he said the benefit is actually crucial in creating networks, sharing experiences, further underscoring that "everything that we have watched, we have learned here in Ethiopia, I believe some of these things will also take to our countries."

Another influencer, Kelvin Gumbi from Malawi, shared his impressions of his visit, affirming his long-standing desire to visit the country.

"I really wanted to come here because of the history that Ethiopia has," he noted. "And since arriving, it has been great."

Expressing his delight in witnessing Ethiopia’s unique heritage firsthand, Gumbi asserted that while there is much to explore, the most profound aspect of his journey has been the "beautiful connection" he has experienced.

Following a visit to the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, he remarked that the country is significantly ahead in terms of technology. “I feel like, as Africans, that is what we need to start thinking about," he said. "We need to be thinking about the future.”

"We have resources already. What is left is to use these resources the best way we can to start exporting even our technology resources, our talent and everything else that we have."

He also stressed the need to show the beauty of Africa, the best culture the continent has, the resources, the music, and the fashion, among others.

The inaugural African Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS 2026) took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from May 7-8, 2026, bringing together the continent’s influential digital creators from more than 30 African countries.

The summit highlighted the role of social media in driving Africa's development, strengthening unity, and rebranding the continent's narrative.