Rabat: African news agencies on Thursday launched the Network of Photojournalists of Atlantic Federation of African News Agencies (NPJ-FAAPA), the first of its kind, aimed at fostering collaboration and capacity-building among the continent's press photographers.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the creation of the network was unanimously decided by participants attending the ongoing seminar on 'Mastering Photojournalism Techniques', organised by FAAPA at the African Centre for the Training of Journalists (CAFJ) in Rabat, Morocco. The NPJ-FAAPA will operate under FAAPA's umbrella and will serve as a platform for exchange of experience, data and professional skills in the field of photojournalism.
It also seeks to organise thematic seminars and forums in partnership with regional and international institutions, while promoting excellence in visual journalism across Africa. A 13-member coordination and communication committee was elected to lead the new body, with Guylain Kipoke of the Congolese News Agency (ACP) elected as General Coordinator, Abdoul Rahamane Ousman Maman from the Nigerien News Agency (ANP) as Secretary General, and Amara Kargbo of the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) as Deputy Secretary General.
The advisory members represent a cross-section of the news agencies, including Senegal, Nigeria, Guinea, C´te d'Ivoire, Morocco, Cabo Verde, Gabon, Mauritania, Liberia, Mali and Namibia, which is represented by Isabel Bento of the Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA).
Kipoke said the network marks a turning point for African visual storytelling, noting that photojournalism has the power to bridge cultures and shape global perceptions of the continent. 'Through NPJ-FAAPA, we want to create a dynamic platform that not only strengthens solidarity among African photojournalists but also ensures that our stories are told with authenticity, professionalism and dignity,' he stated.
The establishment of NPJ-FAAPA comes as part of FAAPA's ongoing efforts to enhance professional standards and cooperation among African media houses. The current training programme in Rabat, which began on Monday, has brought together 25 journalists and photojournalists from across Africa to sharpen technical and editorial skills in photojournalism.
FAAPA, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Rabat, currently brings together more than 30 African news agencies and serves as a continental platform for information exchange, capacity development and media partnerships.