Experts in the media industry have underscored the need for African media stakeholders to embrace digital disruption and position themselves at the forefront of global platform economies.

This was part of the discussions at the second edition of the Blanche Aigle Communications’ Media Roundtable Summit, in Lagos, attended by policymakers, journalists, creatives, influencers, public relations experts, and investors.

Themed: “Africa’s Media Renaissance: Building a Thriving Industry at the Intersection of Storytelling, Business, and Technology,” the summit was conceived as a timely response to the growing demand for content innovation, sustainable growth, and increased investment within the continent’s evolving media-tech landscape.

In his keynote address, Founder of Soho Consulting International, James Hewes, offered critical insights into how artificial intelligence, data, and global narratives are rapidly converging to redefine the way stories are told, distributed, and experienced across the Africa and beyond.

He said African media stakeholders should embrace digital disruption and position themselves at the forefront of global platform economies.

During the first panel session titled: “Building a Global Audience: Strategies for African Media Companies,” moderated by the Founder of ShockNG, Damilare Akintunde, featuring VWokeIghure (PressReader), David Adeleke (Founder, Communique), Tolu Ogunlesi (Communications Consultant), Tayo Fagbule (Editor, BusinessDay), and Omotola Aderinsola Adebanjo (Editor, BBC), the panel explored how African media companies can tap into the global content economy, emphasizing the strategic use of digital tools, data analytics, and scalable storytelling.

The panelists discussed how local media brands can build cross-border audiences, particularly within the African diaspora, and adapt to changing audience consumption patterns fueled by mobile-first platforms.

The second panel, titled: “Public Relations in the Digital Era – Managing Reputations & Building Influence,” moderated by Tennie Oyewole, featured OreoluwaAtinmo (Marketing Director, GBfoods Africa), Lynda Aguocha (Head of Advertising, Aspira Nigeria), and Oluremi Martins (CEO, Regirl World).

The conversation focused on how modern-day PR must evolve to meet the demands of real-time reputation management, influencer-driven marketing, and the rise of user-generated content (UGC). Panelists emphasised the need for influencers to champion transparency, brand authenticity, and build strategic alliances globally to drive deeper audience engagement and trust.

The third panel – “The Music Business & Entertainment Ecosystem – Leveraging Media for Global Growth,” moderated by Temilola Balogun (TaymiB), Co-Founder of PICHR, which featured Christel Kayibi (Director of strategy, Sony Music Africa) and IfeyinwaAnyadiegwu (Head, Business & Legal, Chocolate City), explored how Africa’s music industry particularly Afrobeats has become a major cultural export and economic engine within the broader creative and creator economy.

The other panel session was titled: “Funding and Investment in Africa’s Creative Industry,” moderated by David Adeleke.

The Founder of Blanche Aigle Communications and convener of the summit, Nene Bejide, noted that this year’s theme is not just aspirational, but urgent, saying: “We are living through a defining moment for African storytelling, where our platforms, people, and policies must align.

“This summit is our commitment to building an inclusive, youth-driven, and economically viable media ecosystem that speaks with power and purpose.”

Each session echoed a central truth: Africa’s creator economy is vibrant and full of untapped potential, but unlocking its full value will require bold investment, regulatory reform, digital transformation, and most importantly, collaborative leadership.

The Blanche media roundtable summit was supported by GBfoods Nigeria, Gino, Nestle Purelife, Chumpe’s pot, Enhance360,Kymorcreativ, Mr.Rexstudios and Flirt Vodka with media partners including Pulse, Businessday, Yabaleft, Brand Communicator, Talestime Africa, Musicwormcity, Modaculture and ThisisLagos.