By Juliet Umeh

Nigeria is poised to become the epicenter of African broadcasting and digital media as it prepares to host AfriCast 2025, the continent’s premier summit in the sector.

The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC said that the event will convene over 3,000 delegates in Lagos from October 20th to 24th, 2025, solidifying Nigeria’s leadership role in shaping the continent’s media landscape.

The Director-General of the NBC, Dr. Charles Ebuebu, while speaking about the event with the theme: Navigating the Digital Surge: Building a Resilient African Media Ecosystem, he said, AfriCast 2025 aims to be more than just a conference.

Dr. Ebuebu emphasized that it will serve as a pivotal platform for tangible action, uniting regulators, content creators, policymakers, and investors to forge a credible, inclusive, and future-proof media environment for Africa.

“Media is no longer confined by geographical boundaries. Digital platforms have globalized content consumption. AfriCast 2025 will be the arena where we collectively strategize and build a media ecosystem that not only survives but thrives in this new reality.”

The summit is expected to attract participants from over 30 countries, including global delegates, content innovators, policy architects, and technology pioneers. The robust four-day program will feature keynote addresses, dynamic content showcases, extensive exhibitions, crucial regulatory roundtables, skill-enhancing masterclasses, and the unveiling of cutting-edge tech products.

He underscored the critical need for African media to proactively adapt and innovate within the rapidly transforming global media ecosystem. He warned that failing to embrace change risks marginalizing African voices in crucial global narratives.

AfriCast 2025 arrives at a crucial juncture for Africa’s media, facing the twin challenges of digital disruption and evolving regulatory frameworks. As audiences increasingly migrate online and AI-driven storytelling gains traction, critical issues such as content authenticity, data privacy, platform accountability, and digital inclusion will take center stage in policy discussions and innovation showcases.

This year’s edition will delve into pressing questions, including safeguarding human creativity in the age of AI, establishing responsible digital broadcasting frameworks, and empowering young African creators to lead globally resonant narratives.

Dr. Ebuebu highlighted the NBC’s proactive stance, noting that the commission is already developing progressive content and AI regulations to maintain integrity within the media space. He affirmed that Africast will be instrumental in generating vital data and insights to inform future broadcasting policies.

Attendees can anticipate a comprehensive and engaging experience, commencing with a Wellness Welcome Session for international guests and featuring the Blue Line Tour, showcasing Lagos’ modern transportation infrastructure. Dynamic Market Days will offer vibrant media exhibitions and highlight innovative local content. The summit will be framed by a Grand Opening Ceremony and a Star-Studded Closing Gala, with a significant focus throughout on amplifying youth voices in content development and policy discussions.

Established by the NBC as a biennial platform, AfriCast connects the diverse elements of Africa’s broadcast value chain, from content creators and distributors to regulators and financiers. The 2023 edition saw over 2,500 attendees and more than 100 exhibitors, and AfriCast 2025 is projected to surpass these figures, setting a new benchmark for the industry.

Dr. Ebuebu declares: “We are not simply organizing another conference; we are building a powerful movement for the resilience of Africa’s media.

“Just as Nigeria leads in music and digital innovation, our broadcast sector must ascend to the same level of global prominence. AfriCast 2025 in Lagos will be a pivotal step in achieving this vision.”