African Sports Press Charts New Path at AIPS World Congress in Baku
The 77th Congress of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, brought together sports journalists from 103 countries, including 25 African nations. This historic gathering provided a platform for the African section of AIPS (AIPS-AFRIQUE) to map out its future and address the challenges that have plagued the continent’s sports press for years.
The meeting on Monday was intense, with 30 representatives from the 25 African countries in attendance. The delegates took the opportunity to reflect on the struggles faced by African sports journalists, acknowledging the difficulties that had, in the past, hindered the development of sports media on the continent. However, the mood was optimistic, with the attendees recognizing the progress made in recent years.
Following two key meetings in Dakar (March 2013 and March 2014), solutions were found, leading to the formation of a new executive committee. Nigerian Obi Mitchell was appointed as the head of this new committee, bringing renewed energy to the African sports press.
Mitchell, who also serves as an ex-officio member of the global AIPS executive committee, praised the strides made by AIPS-AFRIQUE, highlighting the fresh dynamic now driving the organization.
Several positive developments for African sports press emerged from the congress:
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Headquarters Agreement with Morocco: AIPS-AFRIQUE’s new headquarters will be located in Morocco, enhancing the organization’s presence and capacity across the continent.
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Partnership with Royal Air Maroc: A collaboration with the airline will offer discounts on travel tickets to African sports journalists, facilitating easier movement across countries served by RAM.
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Training Program for Young Reporters: A new initiative will focus on providing African-based training for young sports journalists ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), ensuring that the next generation of reporters is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
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Women’s Section: AIPS-AFRIQUE will establish a women’s section, fostering gender inclusivity and providing a platform for female sports journalists across the continent.
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Committee of “Wise Men”: A new committee will work to resolve issues in countries with multiple sports associations, aiming to unify them into one cohesive entity.
In recognition of their contributions, AIPS-AFRIQUE honored two former presidents, Mamadou Koumé of Senegal and Boumid Belaid of Morocco, by naming them honorary members of the executive committee.
Furthermore, Kenyan journalist Evelyn Watta was appointed as the new secretary-general of AIPS-MONDE, marking a significant achievement for African representation in the global sports press association. Gianni Merlo, president of AIPS-MONDE since 2006, lauded the progress made by AIPS-AFRIQUE and expressed confidence in the future of African sports journalism.
As AIPS celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, the African sports press is more empowered than ever before, facing the future with renewed optimism and commitment to the development of sports media across the continent.
