Somalia, China Deepen Media Cooperation Through AI Training

GOOBJOOG NEWS | JINHUA, CHINA: Somalia and China are expanding cooperation in media development and digital technology through a 21-day training programme aimed at improving the skills of Somali government media professionals in artificial intelligence, modern communication strategies and combating misinformation.

The programme, which opened in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, brings together 27 officials from Somalia’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, including directors, heads of state media departments and other ministry personnel.

Organised at Zhejiang Normal University, the training focuses on modern media strategies, the use of artificial intelligence in communication, media management and techniques for identifying and countering misinformation.

The initiative comes as media organisations worldwide increasingly adopt AI-powered technologies for content production, information management and audience engagement, creating new opportunities and challenges for journalists and communication professionals.

Zhu Yifeng, vice-president of Zhejiang Normal University, said the programme would provide an opportunity to exchange expertise, strengthen professional ties and deepen cooperation between Somalia and China.

Abdishakur Ali Ahmed, director of the Media Strategy Department at Somalia’s Ministry of Information, said the training would allow participants to learn from China’s experience in modernising its media sector and adopting emerging technologies.

He thanked the Chinese government for supporting the programme, particularly the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, which financed the training, and the Chinese Embassy in Somalia, led by Ambassador Wang Yu, which facilitated the initiative.

The training forms part of broader knowledge-sharing programmes between China and African countries, covering professional development, technology and institutional capacity-building.

The programme is intended to strengthen the technical capabilities of Somalia’s government media institutions as they adapt to a rapidly changing digital information environment.

The growing use of artificial intelligence in news production and public communication has also increased the importance of verifying information, maintaining professional standards and addressing the risks associated with digitally manipulated content.

The programme reflects Somalia’s continuing efforts to modernise government communication systems while strengthening international partnerships in technology, education and professional training.