The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has decided to set aside 2024 for reflections, after seven consecutive years of hosting West Africa’s biggest media gathering, the West Africa Media Excellence Conference and Awards (WAMECA).
In a release made available to Heapnews, the organisation will not be hosting WAMECA 2024, in its usual form. Instead, partner organisations from the West Africa region, will be brought together to reflect on the last seven years of WAMECA, the success stories so far, and how to even make it bigger from 2025.
The decision forms part of the organisation’s ongoing overall strategic planning refresh processes, aimed at leveraging its growth, impact and strategic partnerships (such as its recent partnership with ECOWAS) to effectively meet the current challenges in the region.
Since its inception, WAMECA has grown to become a much-anticipated annual event for West African journalists, thought leaders, policymakers, and civil society organisations.
The two-day conference of WAMECA has always served as a dynamic platform for impactful discussions, knowledge exchange and networking. The journalism awards component of the event has, on the other hand, served as the biggest stage for recognizing, honouring and inspiring journalism excellence across West Africa.
The conference has hosted over 50 panel discussions, workshops, and keynote speeches, bringing together seasoned journalists, media practitioners and industry experts to discuss pressing issues in West Africa and their nexus and impact on media freedom and development. These sessions have enabled collective ideas to tackle obstacles to media freedom, sustainability and development in the region and beyond.
As the organisation looks back on the successes of the past seven years, it also recognizes the importance of continuous improvement. The decision to pause the event this year stems from a commitment to ensure that WAMECA remains relevant, impactful, and aligned with the dynamic media ecosystem in West Africa and the current realities in the region. MFWA plans to conduct a thorough assessment of past editions and a series of stakeholder engagements to learn what has worked well and where there are opportunities for enhancement, solicit feedback and insights to shape the future direction of WAMECA.
This reflective process is crucial to maintaining the high standards WAMECA has become known for, ensuring that it returns with renewed innovation and continues to serve as a beacon of media and journalism excellence in the region. MFWA’s commitment to the WAMECA remains steadfast, and the organisation expresses its deepest appreciation to all sponsors, supporters, participants, and stakeholders for their understanding and continued support.
The organisation looks forward to returning with a revitalized WAMECA 2025 event that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of its vibrant community.