Since 2019, our capacity-building program has organized 8 major seminars in Lomé, Ouagadougou, Porto-Novo, and Abidjan. By combining insights from local and international trainers, we prepare media professionals for the challenges of today and tomorrow. Our holistic curricula cover both radio fundamentals (studio techniques, FM broadcasting, journalism) and new industry challenges: fact-checking, Artificial Intelligence, filmed radio, MOJO, and television. To ensure the sustainability of these media outlets, we also teach the intricacies of financial management, fundraising, and marketing.

“Resilience and Responsibility of Christian Media in the Fight Against Radicalism, and for the Promotion of Peace and Strengthening Social Cohesion”: as part of its decentralization efforts, FOMECAF brought together 57 professionals from 24 Christian media outlets across Côte d'Ivoire at CEFCA. Given the regional security challenges, this seminar, led by 7 national and international experts, equipped field teams and strengthened a resilient network. More than just training, this event enhances the professionalism of Christian communication in West Africa.

The seminar for Beninese media concluded after three days of intense activities in Porto-Novo. This event gathered about fifty professionals to explore opportunities presented by AI and other technological advancements. The conferences and workshops by Médias Ébène, in collaboration with FOMECAF, covered practical uses of AI, content production, and optimized resource management, emphasizing ethical integration. The event strengthened the capabilities of Beninese media for a new era combining tradition and innovation.

Around seventy people, including media directors, promoters, journalists, and media specialists, gathered in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. The theme discussed in February in Lomé was revisited, closely aligned with the violent events affecting the Sahel, which continues to suffer attacks from non-state armed groups. Both civilians and military personnel are targeted. At the core of the issue are access to resources, territorial control, and even the pursuit of influence in the region. Over 40% of the territory has fallen under the control of terrorist groups who impose their laws, restricting individual freedoms, and sowing death and desolation. Insecurity is spreading like metastatic cancer, from the northern regions to the east, then to the south and west of the country. There is urgency, as insecurity affects the entire Sahel, which has become the new epicenter of international jihad. Participation from Burkinabés was massive, supplemented by individuals from immediate neighboring countries: Niger, Mali, Togo, Benin, and Côte d'Ivoire. Two new speakers, filmmaker Luc Damiba and sociologist Jacob Yarassoula Yarabatitoua, further explored the issue.

Wars disrupt the economy and life in nations. Drawing on his experience as an analyst, Illia DJADI provided his peers with insights into conflict issues on the continent and the necessary tools for media to become holistic instruments in preserving peace.

50 people attended in person, but no less than 500 participated online in the fourth edition of these meetings, focusing on youth and African media. “We are observing a generational gap in the Francophone African Christian world,” explains Pastor Etienne Kiemdé, director of Radio Évangile Développement in Burkina Faso. “An older generation no longer communicates using the words, music, and media channels of young people, 63% of whom are under 24 in West Africa.” This gap also exists in society more broadly.

We are in the midst of a health crisis, and despite urgent calls for cancellation, we are persevering with this organization to maintain the momentum started in 2019. 50 people (due to health limits) are meeting in person in Lomé, while 300 people will follow the seminar online.

180 participants from 13 Francophone African countries gathered to discuss the theme “inventing comprehensive radio.” This was the largest meeting in terms of attendance held before the health crisis. Following this, African radio stations formed a network and gave birth to the Forum of Christian Media in Francophone Africa (FOMECAF), which remains active today and is led by 12 renowned African leaders. Additionally, we returned to Togo and Benin and visited several radio stations.

Around one hundred participants from about ten Francophone African countries received training in radio practices, including transmitters, antennas, studio, sound, interviews, and journalism, and discussed the core concept of holistic radio. On this occasion, about fifty directors and owners of African radio stations signed the “Lomé Declaration.” Togolese authorities praised the event. 2017-2018: During several trips to the West and Central Francophone African sub-region, Radio Réveil visited dozens of radio stations to better understand local opportunities and constraints. Four trips were made to Niger, and one to Togo, where the association met Koffi Ahonon, now director of Compassion Togo. The vision for the “Lomé seminars” was established. Distribution of 75 4TB hard drives containing radio programs from the Radio Réveil catalog were distributed to African radio stations.The website of the Forum of Christian Media in West Africa