The leadership of the Forum des Médias Chrétiens d’Afrique Francophone (FOMECAF) met from May 6 to 8, 2024, at the École Biblique Supérieure et Théologique de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (EBSTAO) in Lomé, Togo. The purpose of this meeting was to evaluate the Forum's progress and consider future prospects in order to better address current challenges and meet the expectations of its partners.
As a reminder, FOMECAF was launched in Lomé, Togo, in 2019, following a meeting to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Radio Réveil (now Association Médias Ebène), and is dedicated to broadcasting radio programs promoting peace, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence in the French-speaking world. Each edition of the Lomé conferences, six in total, brought together around 150 radio professionals working in French-speaking African religious radio stations.
Success of FOMECAF
During this meeting, leaders noted with satisfaction that, in its five years of existence, FOMECAF has become the main training and networking platform for Christian media professionals in more than 15 countries across the continent. Since its launch in 2019, FOMECAF has organized five training sessions, benefiting more than 200 media professionals such as promoters, producers, technicians, presenters, and bloggers. The year 2023 marked a turning point with the first decentralized session in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, hailed as a success by participants and administrative authorities.
FOMECAF leaders examined the major challenges facing French-speaking African countries, including youth unemployment, widespread poverty, poor governance, and insecurity. They expressed concern about the existential threat posed by Islamic insurgency in the region.
Taking a proactive approach, they outlined a strategic plan for the next three years (2025-2028). They will focus on fostering a culture of excellence by strengthening the capacities of stakeholders and improving the equipment of media organizations. FOMECAF plans to organize decentralized and specialized training tailored to local needs.
Towards an associative sequel?
The question of FOMECAF's legal form was also discussed. A committee was set up to finalize the discussions and propose a model that fully meets the Forum's new ambitions.
Collecting testimonials from media partners was a major focus of this meeting. Participants recommended greater involvement from stakeholders so that everyone—leadership, media managers, and participants—can contribute to gathering testimonials in the field.
Finally, FOMECAF officials express their deep gratitude to their partners and members for their ongoing commitment and multifaceted support.
