Africa Media Festival 2025 set to bridge gaps and shape the future of African media in Nairobi

The much-anticipated Africa Media Festival (AMF) returns for its third edition in 2025, set to take place on February 26-27 at the National Museums of Kenya in Nairobi. With its reputation as one of the continent’s premier gatherings for media professionals, storytellers, and innovators, AMF promises to deliver yet another exceptional platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange aimed at shaping the future of African media.
Themed “Bridging Gaps, Connecting Media Futures,” this year’s festival will address the ongoing structural, technological, and cultural challenges within African media. The focus will be on creating pathways for collaboration and representation, ensuring that the voices of diverse creators are amplified and their impact is recognized.
Since its inception, the Africa Media Festival has quickly become a cornerstone event for the African media landscape. With over 1,300 attendees, 120 speakers, and 50 sessions over its first two years, AMF has set a high standard for inclusive, forward-thinking events. The 2025 edition promises to continue this tradition by offering a dynamic, engaging experience for both new and seasoned media professionals.
Maurice Otieno, Executive Director of Baraza Lab, a key partner in organizing AMF, expressed his excitement about the festival, describing it as “our annual creative recharge station.” He added, “It’s like finding an oasis in the desert, except we are guzzling inspiration and fresh ideas instead of water. We can’t wait to hear your stories, your wins, and even your ‘What-was-I-thinking?’ moments.”
What to expect at AMF 2025
The festival’s two-day program will feature a diverse array of activities designed to foster learning, networking, and collaboration. Among the highlights are:
Ignite Talks: These brief, high-impact sessions will explore new ideas and offer fresh perspectives on emerging trends in the media world.
Workshops: Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops that delve into the latest tools and techniques in media and storytelling.
Unconference Sessions: These participant-led discussions will offer a more informal space for attendees to engage in candid conversations on pressing media topics.
Demos: A showcase of cutting-edge media technologies and innovative storytelling approaches will provide attendees with a glimpse of what’s next in the industry.
Martie Mtange, Deputy Curator of the Africa Media Festival, highlighted the festival’s focus on elevating the often-overlooked figures in the media industry. “This year, we’re spotlighting the unsung heroes whose work drives significant impact, but often goes unnoticed,” she said. “Attendees can expect sessions on how to stand out in a crowded content landscape, discussions on the power of representation, and workshops for young media professionals.”
The festival’s evening concerts will also feature unforgettable performances and surprise acts, promising an energetic end to each day of the event.
Strengthening the media ecosystem
AMF is committed to strengthening African media by creating opportunities for collaboration across sectors, regions, and generations. Lisa Muchangi, Marketing and Communications Manager at Baraza Lab, explained the importance of the event, stating, “Africa Media Festival is where the heart of our media and creative community comes alive. It’s a space for collaboration, learning, and building connections beyond the event. Whether you’re a storyteller, innovator, or media leader, you can join a collective actively shaping the narratives that matter.”
Reflecting Africa’s rich diversity, AMF 2025 will feature voices from rural creators, independent media, and marginalized communities, alongside industry leaders. This inclusive approach ensures that the festival represents a broad spectrum of experiences, perspectives, and challenges.
The festival also serves as a launchpad for ongoing dialogue and collaboration within the African media ecosystem. Pre- and post-event activities, such as industry workshops, regional forums, and online engagement, will keep the conversations alive long after the festival ends, positioning AMF as an active participant in shaping the continent’s media future.
Collaboration and new initiatives
AMF 2025 will continue to collaborate with media houses, industry leaders, and philanthropic organizations to drive the transformation of African media. Notably, the festival will introduce the AMF Ambassador Program, which will leverage the influence of key personalities from across the continent, including Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania, to amplify its message and extend its reach.
The festival’s commitment to showcasing African stories and fostering meaningful connections within the media community offers a valuable opportunity for all involved to contribute to the ongoing growth and evolution of African media.
As the media landscape in Africa continues to evolve, the Africa Media Festival 2025 stands as a key event that not only celebrates the achievements of the continent’s media professionals but also provides a space for building the future of the industry. Through collaboration, innovation, and representation, AMF is poised to make a significant impact on the way African stories are told and shared with the world.
For media professionals, storytellers, and creatives across the continent, AMF 2025 is the event to attend, offering unparalleled opportunities to learn, network, and contribute to the dynamic media ecosystem of Africa.