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By Chinenye Anuforo
The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Dr. Charles Ebuebu, has highlighted the necessity for African media to adapt, embrace innovation and assume a leading position within the swiftly transforming global media environment.
While formally announcing AfriCast 2025, the premier African summit for broadcast and digital media, scheduled to take place in Lagos from October 20 to 24, 2025, Dr. Ebuebu cautioned that a failure to evolve could render African media irrelevant in shaping narratives and influencing global discussions.
According to the DG, this year’s edition of the event, themed “Navigating the Digital Surge: Building a Resilient African Media Ecosystem,” is poised to define the future trajectory of media across the continent.
Ebuebu emphasized, “the urgent need for African media to adapt, innovate, and lead in an era defined by rapid technological advancement and content globalization.” He further stated, “Media is no longer local. Content consumption patterns have gone global thanks to digital platforms.”
He elaborated on the significance of the upcoming summit, noting, “AfriCast 2025 will be a platform not just for dialogue, but for action, bringing together regulators, creatives, policymakers, and investors to build a media environment that is credible, inclusive, and future-proof.”
The NBC boss pointed out the extensive reach of the event: “AfriCast 2025 will convene over 3,000 participants from more than 30 countries, ranging from global delegates and content creators to policymakers and tech pioneers.” He also mentioned that “The conference will provide a robust four-day experience featuring keynote sessions, content showcases, exhibitions, regulatory roundtables, masterclasses, and tech product unveilings.”
Ebuebu stressed the opportune timing of the conference: “AfriCast comes at a critical time when Africa’s media ecosystem is facing the dual pressures of digital disruption and regulatory evolution. As audiences move online, and AI-driven storytelling becomes more prominent, issues like content authenticity, data privacy, platform accountability, and digital inclusion are now central to policy and innovation.”
This year’s AfriCast will address crucial questions such as: “How do we safeguard human creativity in the age of AI-generated content? What frameworks ensure responsible digital broadcasting? How can young creators be empowered to lead narratives that resonate globally?”
Ebuebu noted that the NBC was already in the process of drafting progressive regulations concerning content and AI to protect the integrity of the media landscape. He affirmed that AfriCast will not only introduce novel concepts but also generate essential data and insights that will inform policy decisions and shape the future of broadcasting regulations.
Key highlights of AfriCast 2025 will include a Wellness Welcome Session to receive international guests, and the “Blue Line Tour,” which will showcase Lagos’ rapidly developing railway infrastructure. Attendees can also anticipate “Dynamic Market Days” featuring dynamic media exhibitions and innovative local content. The event will commence with a “Grand Opening Ceremony” and conclude with a “Star-Studded Closing Gala,” with a strong emphasis on ensuring the inclusion of youth perspectives in shaping content development and participating in policy discussions.
AfriCast was established by the NBC as a biennial platform to connect the diverse elements of Africa’s broadcast value chain, from content creators and distributors to regulators and financiers.
The DG asserted, “We are not just putting together another conference, we are building a movement for Africa’s media resilience. As Nigeria leads in music and digital innovation, our broadcast sector must rise to the same global relevance.”
