“It is believed that African media are twice as likely to reference corruption than international media” according to Africa No Filter. I also find it concerning that business and investment on the continent are restricted to South Africa, Nigeria & Kenya and often painted in distorted and overly negative frames. Another obvious imbalance is how most ”international outlets cover African financial markets only in relation to foreign powers like the United States, China and Russia.”
1. ”Development communicators have a responsibility to diversify the countries they talk about. Let us not always focus on the same three markets – South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya – when we go to the media.”
2. ”We should also help spread awareness about progress in improving policies and encouraging trade. This includes the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which aims to boost trade within Africa, improve competitiveness and create jobs.”
3. ”In communicating about investment in Africa, honesty and nuance are important – particularly when speaking to a savvy business audience. Generating trust also means being open about the structural problems African economies face, including policy and regulatory challenges, while highlighting efforts to address them.”
4. ”To help boost investment, communication must be a two-way street. Just as we share information about opportunities with potential investors, investors must also be able to share feedback about their concerns and the challenges they face.”
If you are interested in Why (and How) we must improve communication about development on the African continent, these 4 key recommendations by OECD DEVCOM are worth keeping in mind. Thanks to Africa No Filter for sharing this brilliant and expository, yet succinct piece. I highly recommend. https://lnkd.in/da45vJ37