Zambia calls for partnership with BRICS group to stimulate Africa’s growth

Zambia has proposed joint ventures, content sharing, and collaborative projects to showcase Africa’s beauty and potential with the BRICS.

Information and Media Minister, Chushi Kasanda, highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnerships with BRICS to stimulate Africa’s growth.

Kasanda said this when she delivered her address at the on-going 6th BRICS Media Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday.

She highlighted the pivotal role of media in shaping perceptions, bridging gaps, and fostering collaboration among nations.

“Investment in media infrastructure and technology was also highlighted as essential for promoting socio-economic growth,” Kasanda said.

The digital revolution, she noted, had expanded media coverage and created avenues for dialogue.

She emphasised the tremendous potential of Africa as an economic powerhouse with a projected real Gross Domestic Product growth of around four percent in 2023 and 2024.

The minister stressed the need for Africa to leverage the changing force of the media, driven by advances in Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the diversity of media platforms.

She called for the inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives on media platforms, regardless of status, to promote understanding and unity among African nations.

“Media literacy was encouraged to empower citizens to critically engage with information and combat misinformation,” Kasanda said.

She further underscored the significance of developing local content by empowering storytellers, filmmakers, musicians, and journalists.

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“Local content creation allows Africa to tell its own narrative and present its unique vision to the world,” Kasanda said.

She further called for commitments to fostering partnerships, embracing diversity, investing in technology, and promoting responsible journalism.

The sixth BRICS Media Forum, which is being held under the theme, “BRICS and Africa: Strengthening Media Dialogue for a shared and Unbiased Future” ends on Sunday.

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