Kusi Ideas Festival: SouthBridge CEO Barbe on future of journalism in Africa

The inaugural Kusi Ideas Festival took place in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and influencers from across the continent. Among the speakers was Jeanine Munyeshuli Barbe, CEO of SouthBridge and a prominent figure in the world of social media and blogging. In an interview with CNBC Africa's Steven Muvunyi, Barbe shared her thoughts on the role of citizen journalism, its relationship with traditional media, and its impact on the future of Africa. Barbe, who entered the world of social media in 2011, emphasized the importance of citizen journalism in providing a platform for individuals to share their stories and perspectives. Despite not having a background in professional journalism, Barbe has used platforms like Twitter and blogging to participate in the media landscape and contribute her unique voice. During the panel discussion at the Kusi Ideas Festival, Barbe highlighted two key messages that she believes are crucial for the continent. The first message focused on the need for Africans to come together and embrace their diverse and complex identities. Barbe stressed the importance of finding a common voice and uniting as a continent, rather than allowing external forces to dictate the narrative. She cautioned against the monopolization of social media platforms by non-African corporations like Facebook and urged Africans to take control of their digital presence and data ownership. Barbe also underscored the potential influence of these platforms on the minds of African youth, warning against the manipulation of attention and information by external entities. In response to concerns about the trustworthiness of citizen journalists, Barbe asserted that ethical behavior and self-regulation are key factors in establishing credibility. She emphasized the importance of showcasing one's values and principles through consistent and genuine content, rather than simply criticizing others. While acknowledging the presence of traditional journalists in the digital space, Barbe advocated for individual control and responsibility over one's media output. Looking towards the future, Barbe expressed hope that Africa would define its own narrative and story before external algorithms and influences could shape it. She urged Africans to prioritize self-discovery and self-empowerment in order to build a bright and inclusive future. Despite the uncertainty of what Africa may look like in the next 60 years, Barbe remained optimistic about the potential of citizen journalism to amplify diverse voices and share positive stories from the continent. She called for a collective effort to outpace external forces and reclaim agency over Africa's narrative within the next two decades. In conclusion, Barbe's insights shed light on the evolving media landscape in Africa and the transformative power of citizen journalism in shaping a more inclusive and authentic narrative for the continent.