Where it all started...

2023 – 2026

Welcome to the new era.

2027

5th Edition  ·  July 2027

COMING SOON

« African media in the era of Artificial Intelligence: narrative sovereignty, innovation and trust »
 July 21 – 23, 2027
 Sofitel Cotonou Marina
 Benin
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500+ Expected Attendees
30 Tech Exhibitors
3 Days of Forum
10 Award Categories
12 Jury Members
500+ Expected Attendees
30 Tech Exhibitors
3 Days of Forum
10 Award Categories
12 Jury Members
500+ Expected Attendees
30 Tech Exhibitors
3 Days of Forum
10 Award Categories
12 Jury Members

General
Overview

The major annual gathering of the media and technology ecosystem. A unique convergence to shape the future of broadcasting and journalism in the digital era.

AFRICAWEBMEDIA International Forum (formerly AWR Summit) is the major annual gathering of partner media and radio stations. Created and led by the Institute of Technological Innovation (IITECH SARL), this forum aims to make the most advanced technologies accessible to community radio stations and low-income media across the African continent.

Where?

Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel
Cotonou, Republic of Benin

When?

July 21 to 23, 2027
3 Days of Immersion

AWR Summit Session
AWR Summit Panel
AWR Summit Audience
AWM VISION

AI & Innovation

Deep exploration of technological opportunities for African newsrooms: from assisted content creation to ethical workflow automation.

Narrative Sovereignty

Taking control of the African narrative on a global scale. Sovereign hosting, data optimization, and editorial independence at the heart of our priorities.

Prestige & Networking

A unique opportunity for very high-level exchange and networking between media decision-makers, AI researchers, and major technological players.

The Reference
Meeting

AFRICAWEBMEDIA International Forum brings together African and global media decision-makers to build a strong, honest, and innovative journalism.

30 Tech Exhibitors

The "Media Tech Village" will showcase the most innovative tools in generative AI and monetization for media.

AWM Awards

10 prestigious categories to celebrate journalistic excellence and award the most outstanding digital initiatives.

PROGRAMME 2027

Three Days
of Immersion

A dynamic schedule divided into high-level panels, tool demonstrations, and continental commitment charter signings.

Day 01 · Wednesday, July 21

Official Opening & Status Report

Official opening ceremony under the High Patronage of the Ministry of Communication
Inaugural Speech: « African media facing AI – sovereignty challenges »
Opening Plenary: Status of African media in the AI era
Panel 1: Generative AI & African newsrooms
Welcome cocktail & networking

Day 02 · Thursday, July 22

Innovation, Economy & Regulation

Thematic panels: data sovereignty, disinformation, business models
Technical workshops: demos of AI tools for newsrooms
Exhibition Hall « Media Tech Village » — 30 exhibitors
B2B speed-meetings between media and tech operators
Beninese cultural evening

Day 03 · Friday, July 23

Cooperation, Awards & Closing

Panels on media training, regulation, and funding
Session « Cotonou Declaration » & signing of partnerships
Official closing ceremony
Gala dinner & AFRICAWEBMEDIA Awards

Key Themes

01

Generative AI & Newsrooms

Opportunities, risks and best practices for African newsrooms

02

Data Sovereignty

Hosting, training and optimizing our content on African soil

03

Trust & Verification

Combatting disinformation and deepfakes with AI

04

New Business Models

Monetization, partnerships and viability of African media

05

Training & Regulation

Certification program for 200 journalists/year and AI regulatory framework

06

Cotonou Declaration

Continental reference document on media and artificial intelligence

The
Visionaries

Hover over the names to reveal the profiles of our exceptional speakers.

01
TAHIROU DJARA
TAHIROU DJARA Full Professor at CAMES – Project Initiator
02
JEHOVAH-NIS SONON
JEHOVAH-NIS SONON PhD in Computer Security – CEO of IITECH SARL
03
ABDOU AMBARKA
ABDOU AMBARKA PhD Software/Systems Architect
04
NEWTON BOCO
NEWTON BOCO Network Engineer – Deputy CEO of IITECH SARL
Speaker Portrait

AWM
Awards 2027

A unique gala evening to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and major technological innovations of media on the continent.

🌍

Best International Media Covering Africa

Rigorous and balanced coverage of the continent

🇧🇯

Best International Report on Benin

TV / web / press report highlighting Benin

🤖

Most Innovative African Newsroom

Exemplary integration of AI in newsrooms

📡

Best Panafrican Web-Media

High-impact online pure-player

📻

Best African Digital Radio

Radio having successfully completed its digital transition

📺

Best Panafrican TV Channel

Programming, audience and innovation

🔍

Anti-Disinformation Prize

High-impact fact-checking initiative

Young African Female Journalist Prize

Emerging female talent under 35

💡

AI & Media Innovation Prize

Best technology solution for media

🏆

Grand Prix AFRICAWEBMEDIA

Media personality of the year in Africa

Sofitel Cotonou Marina
Official Setting

Sofitel Hotel
Cotonou Marina

A 5-star luxury complex on the oceanfront, offering an exceptional technological and cultural setting to host the greatest African media debates.

5 Stars Standing
500+ Participants
Benin Host Country

Join
The Event

Sofitel Cotonou Marina

Marina Blvd, Cotonou, Benin. Ideally located by the sea, just 10 minutes from Cotonou International Airport.

Get Directions Directions

Our Supporters

IITECH TV
SDP
IITECH
Millenium Popo Beach
LIR
Speed Line
IITECH TV
SDP
IITECH
Millenium Popo Beach
LIR
Speed Line
IITECH TV
SDP
IITECH
Millenium Popo Beach
LIR
Speed Line
IITECH TV
SDP
IITECH
Millenium Popo Beach
LIR
Speed Line
IITECH TV
SDP
IITECH
Millenium Popo Beach
LIR
Speed Line
IITECH TV
SDP
IITECH
Millenium Popo Beach
LIR
Speed Line

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