NAIROBI | Journalists from across Africa gathered in Nairobi on Tuesday for a half-day workshop examining the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) in the media industry. The training, themed “The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Its Impact on Journalism,” was organized by the Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau and attracted nearly 100 editors and reporters from more than 10 media outlets.
The hybrid workshop introduced participants to Xinhua’s own integration of AI across its news production pipeline from gathering and research to editing and distribution offering a practical look at how technology is reshaping newsroom operations.
In a virtual address, Chen Yingying, associate professor at the School of Journalism and Communication at Renmin University of China, urged African media professionals to embrace AI as a powerful tool rather than a replacement for human journalists. She noted that AI can assist with tasks such as transcription, data analysis, and graphic development, enabling journalists to work more efficiently. However, Chen cautioned that awareness of risks such as misinformation remains essential.
Rosalia Omungo, chief executive officer of the Kenya Editors’ Guild, welcomed the training, describing it as timely for newsrooms seeking to adapt to fast-evolving technologies. “AI uptake has begun. That is where Kenyan journalism should go because AI is coming to provide efficiency, to augment systems that are in place, the news processes, news-gathering, and dissemination,” she said. Omungo added that African media could learn from China’s approach while investing in continuous training to dispel myths and build confidence around AI.
Patrick Vidija, digital editor at Kenya’s Standard Media Group, echoed the sentiment, calling the session “highly impactful.” He noted that digital teams already interact with AI in their daily work, but the training expanded perspectives on how to apply it more effectively in reporting and storytelling.
The workshop underscored the growing recognition across Africa’s media landscape that AI, when thoughtfully adopted, has the potential to transform journalism by improving efficiency, deepening audience engagement, and enhancing the quality of content.