The President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank, H.E. Dr. George Elombi, has called on African journalists to take the lead in reshaping the global narrative about Africa by telling more positive and solution-driven stories about the continent.
Speaking at the 3rd edition of Biashara Afrika 2026, currently underway in Lomé, Togo, Dr. Elombi stressed that the media has a critical role to play in redefining Africa’s image beyond the often dominant reports of conflict, poverty, and instability.
Addressing participants made up of journalists, business leaders, policymakers, and communication professionals from across Africa, Dr. Elombi said African journalists must deliberately spotlight the continent’s successes, innovations, and opportunities to inspire confidence and attract investment.
According to him, while it is important for the media to report challenges confronting African nations, equal attention must be given to the continent’s remarkable achievements in trade, entrepreneurship, technology, infrastructure development, and youth innovation.
“Africa’s story must not always be framed through crises and limitations. There is a different Africa emerging, one of resilience, enterprise, creativity, and immense potential, and journalists must become active storytellers of this transformation,” he said.
Dr. Elombi noted that the persistent negative portrayal of Africa in some sections of the international media has contributed to misconceptions that affect investment decisions and undermine the continent’s progress.
He encouraged African media practitioners to embrace responsible journalism that amplifies opportunities and showcases homegrown solutions driving socio-economic growth across the continent.
The Afreximbank President also reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen intra-African trade and economic integration, noting that platforms such as Biashara Afrika create important opportunities for collaboration among key stakeholders.
The Biashara Afrika 2026 conference, which opened in Lomé on May 18, is focused on promoting trade, innovation, excellence, and economic partnerships across Africa.
Under the theme “Powering Africa’s Economic Transformation through the AfCFTA”, the event has brought together influential voices from across the continent to deliberate on strategies for accelerating Africa’s transformation agenda and how best to implement the policies brought together since the formation of theAfrican Continental Free Trade Area.
Written by Grace Tsotsoo Quaye
