27 Somali Journalists Complete Digital Training Programme in China

GOOBJOOG NEWS | JINHUA: Twenty-seven Somali media professionals have completed a three-week training programme in China focused on digital media, artificial intelligence and newsroom management, as Somalia seeks to modernise its state media institutions.

The participants, drawn from Somalia’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, included directors, managers from state-owned media outlets and other ministry officials. The programme was held in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, and concluded on November 3.

Funded by China’s Ministry of Commerce and hosted by Zhejiang Normal University, the training covered digital media strategy, the use of artificial intelligence in media production, management and efforts to counter disinformation.

The programme combined classroom sessions with study visits and professional exchanges, giving the Somali delegation an opportunity to examine China’s experience in media development and the adoption of new technologies in broadcasting and content production.

Abdishakur Ali Ahmed, the ministry’s director of strategic communication, said the knowledge and practical experience gained would help strengthen staff capacity, improve content quality and support the modernisation of Somalia’s state media.

The training reflects growing media cooperation between Somalia and China, which has extended beyond government-to-government engagement to include professional exchanges and capacity-building initiatives.

Somalia’s state media institutions face the challenge of adapting to a rapidly changing information environment, where digital platforms, artificial intelligence and online misinformation are reshaping news production and audience engagement.

The ministry said it remained committed to professional development and international partnerships aimed at strengthening the country’s media sector.