Addis ababa: The Ethiopian Media Center of Excellence was officially inaugurated today, marking a significant milestone in the country’s media landscape. The inauguration ceremony took place in the presence of high-ranking government officials, including Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives, Tagesse Chafo, Government Communication Service Minister, Enatalem Melese, Social Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister, Deacon Daniel Kibret, and Ethiopian Media Authority Director General, Samson Mekonnen.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the media center of excellence aims to enhance the professionalism and quality of media in Ethiopia through capacity building trainings for journalists and media organizations. During the occasion, Speaker Tagesse emphasized the importance of a vibrant media sector in promoting democracy, transparency, and public engagement in the country. He stated that a strong media is essential for a thriving democracy while promoting national interests, and added that the center of excellence would empower journalists and foster peace, development, and good governance.

HPR is committed to supporting media development that would maintain the national security and public interests of the country, Tagesse underscored. Social Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister, Deacon Daniel Kibret, highlighted that the center of excellence would help build a media industry that covers issues based on the practical realities of the country. He emphasized that the center should focus on four pillars: promoting national interests, multinational unity, grand narratives, and creating public awareness for achieving prosperity in the country.

Ethiopian Media Authority Director General, Samson Mekonnen, outlined the center’s role in research and training programs for journalists and policymakers on areas such as election, peace, water, and mining journalism. He noted that the center of excellence is aimed at building a vibrant media landscape while meeting international standards.