Russian President Vladimir Putin has revealed plans to establish African offices for major Russian media companies, including RT and Sputnik. The announcement was made at the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum held in St. Petersburg.
Putin proposed the creation of a “joint information space” for Russia and Africa to deliver impartial and fact-based information on global incidents to the African continent.
Putin also mentioned several prominent Russian media organizations in his statement, including the TASS news agency, Rossiya Segodnya media group (including RIA Novosti and Sputnik), RT television channel, the All-Russian State Television, and Radio Broadcasting Company, and Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper.
Some of these entities, such as TASS, already have functioning bureaus in Africa, currently serving Russian audiences with African news. These agencies will now aim to reach African audiences directly.
During an RT-led panel at the summit, the head of the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), Gregoire Ndjaka, welcomed Russian media to Africa.
He said, “We’re open to cooperation with all Russian media. We’re ready to welcome them in Africa.”
He added, “For decades, we were forced to consume content that has nothing to do with Africa.”
Ndjaka commented that the foreign content contributed to the erosion of certain thoughts and traditions in African societies.
He stressed the importance of content reflecting Africa’s realities and avoiding stereotypical perceptions. According to Ndjaka, the role of RT and Sputnik in Africa could be crucial to maintaining balanced event coverage on the continent, given that their involvement is mutually beneficial.
