AFRICAWEBMEDIA International Forum 2027

Overview

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?

Palais des congrès, Cotonou, Bénin

When?

Du 22 au 23 Juillet 2027
2 Jours d'Immersion

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 Summit

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

The Agenda

Deux jours
of Immersion

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

Day 1 · Thursday, July 22

Official Opening, Digital Sovereignty and Information Trust

08:00 – 09:00: Welcome, participant registration, badge and kit distribution

09:00 – 10:15: Welcome address, inaugural speech and official opening of the Forum

10:15 – 11:00: Official tour of the exhibition (Media Tech Village) & Coffee break

11:00 – 12:45: HIGH-LEVEL PANEL: African media facing AI

14:15 – 15:45: PANEL 1: Data sovereignty, African cloud and AI ethics

16:05 – 17:35: PANEL 2: Fight against disinformation, deepfakes and social peace

18:00: End of the first day — Networking cocktail

Day 2 · Friday, July 23

Economic Viability, Training, Closing and AfricaWebMedia Awards

08:30 – 09:00: Welcome of participants and opening coffee

09:15 – 10:45: PANEL 3: Economic viability, new models and connectivity

11:05 – 12:35: PANEL 4: Training, future professions and youth inclusion

12:35 – 13:00: Work restitution and draft of the Cotonou Declaration

14:15 – 15:30: Scientific communications, parallel technical workshops and B2B speed-meetings

15:30 – 16:30: Closing session: Adoption of the Cotonou Declaration

19:00 – 22:30: AFRICAWEBMEDIA AWARDS CEREMONY (Gala Dinner)

Key Themes

01

Data Sovereignty, Cloud & Ethics

Hosting, training and optimizing our media content on African soil

02

Fight Against Disinformation & Peace

Fact-checking tools driven by AI and preserving social stability

03

Economic Viability & Connectivity

New business models, monetization and digital infrastructure

04

Training, Youth & AI Careers

Journalistic skill transformation, future professions and youth inclusion

Speakers

Our
Panelists

Recognized experts from the African continent and diaspora gathered to share their visions.

ABDOU AMBARKA

PhD Software/Systems Architect

Dr. Fatouma SARR

AI Ethics & Information Law Expert (Dakar, Senegal)

Emmanuel NGUEMA

Director of Digital Press Transformation (Libreville, Gabon)

JEHOVAH-NIS SONON

PhD in Computer Security – CEO of IITECH SARL

NEWTON BOCO

Network Engineer – Deputy CEO of IITECH SARL

TAHIROU DJARA

Full Professor at CAMES – Project Initiator

Access

Join
The Event

Palais des congrès

Palais des congrès, Cotonou, Bénin.

Get Directions Directions

Alliances

Our Partners

IITECH

Stay Connected

Be Notified
First

Sign up to receive exclusive announcements, the official ticket opening, and the call for entries for the AWM Awards.

GeneralOverview