Sal©: The 8th General Assembly of the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA), themed ‘African Press Agencies as Vehicle for Promoting the Continent’s Health Sovereignty,’ concluded in Sal© on Thursday.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the assembly brought together Directors-General from various African press agencies, media and health experts, and notable figures from different sectors. A prominent panel discussion on ‘the media as a linchpin in helping manage health crises in Africa’ highlighted the African Academy of Health Sciences (AAHS) in Dakhla. This institution is dedicated to advancing research and development in health sciences across Africa, with aspirations to become a continental hub for health development.
During the event’s second day, several FAAPA member press agencies signed bilateral cooperation and partnership agreements. The assembly, led by FAAPA President and Director General of the Moroccan Press Agency (MAP), Fouad Arif, also approved the Federation’s action plan for 2025. This plan outlines objectives in areas like meetings, professional training, multimedia, communication, and partnerships.
The assembly reviewed and approved the reports from the 7th General Assembly, the 9th FAAPA Executive Committee meeting held last October in Abidjan, and various training seminars. The event also featured the awarding of the Federation’s Grands Prix for 2024. The Grand Prix for best article was awarded to Mohammed Al-Amine Ikhibi of MAP, the best video report to Kamongnin Sylla of the Ivorian Press Agency (AIP), and the best photo to Abdou Khadre Dieylani Seydi of the Senegalese Press Agency (APS).
Founded in 2014 in Casablanca, FAAPA serves as a professional platform for contemplating the future of news agencies and their role in the 21st century. It considers the significant changes in the media landscape brought about by globalization and the rise of multimedia.