Message from Dr. Legsse Tulu on the 15th East African Communication Association Conference

August 27,2025

Your Excellency Professor Margaret Jjuuko, President of the East African Communication Association

Your Excellency Dr. Samuel Kifle, President of Addis Ababa University

Distinguished guests, esteemed scholars, and participants,Ladies and gentlemen, 

On behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, I warmly welcome you to the 15th East African Communication Association Conference. We are honored to host this important gathering here in Addis Ababa, the diplomatic capital of Africa, at the historic Adwa Victory Memorial Hall a symbol of unity and resilience. I also thank Addis Ababa University for organizing this event. Welcome back! 

This year’s theme, “Media and Communication for Africa’s Integration,” addresses the urgent need for deeper economic, political, and cultural unity across our continent, aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and regional initiatives. Effective media and communication are vital to building shared narratives, fostering trust, and promoting inclusive, peaceful societies. They are tools for empowerment, enabling Africa to tell its own story and actively involve its people, especially the youth, in shaping our future. 

Ethiopia is committed to this vision, strengthening regional ties through infrastructure, cultural exchange, and media development. We support the establishment of a continental media outlet to promote accurate information, fight disinformation, and amplify our collective voice an initiative echoed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. 

While digital platforms offer tremendous opportunities, they also pose challenges like hate speech, disinformation, and polarization, which can threaten social cohesion and progress. Therefore, collaboration among governments, academia, media, and civil society is essential to promote responsible communication, media literacy, and digital responsibility. 

I urge the East African Communication Association and its members to lead efforts in addressing these challenges and harnessing communication’s potential for unity and development. I trust that the discussions over the coming days will generate innovative ideas, foster partnerships, and chart practical pathways toward Africa’s integration through media. 

On behalf of Ethiopia, I wish you all a fruitful and successful conference. 

Thank you.