Sino-African audiovisual cooperation: Senegal calls for the creation of regional AI and AGI hubs

As emerging technologies redefine the global information industry, the 7th Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation focused on integrating artificial intelligence into audiovisual media. Speaking at the thematic session centered on best practices and sharing experiences, Mr. Moustapha Thioune, Secretary General of the Senegalese Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs, made a strategic plea for African adoption of AI.

The event was attended by prominent Chinese figures, including Qin Zhengui, Vice Director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the China Film Archive; Ji Yuan, Vice Director of the International Communications Office of the same Department; Chang Jin, Second Class Inspector in the International Cooperation Department of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA); Feng Jian, Deputy Secretary-General of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality; and Han Xinxing, Vice Director of the Beijing Radio and Television Administration.

Narrative disruption and digital sovereignty

Opening his remarks, the Senegalese representative highlighted the strategic shift in Sino-African relations, " resolutely focused on building a new technological future integrating artificial intelligence as the main foundation for the media industrial growth of our two regions ."

For the diplomat and administrative official, modernizing the digital infrastructure represents much more than a technical upgrade: it is a matter of cultural sovereignty. This upgrade offers " the opportunity to further democratize the monopoly on narratives and correct perceptions and clichés about our countries ," while guaranteeing journalists " secure and reliable access " to information technologies.

Heading towards AGI and the creation of regional hubs

Going beyond the scope of traditional AI, Moustapha Thioune urged a more ambitious step forward: “ Technological cooperation between China and Africa presents an excellent opportunity to build strong synergies [...] by bridging the gap in AI technologies in Africa and moving directly to AGI – Artificial General Intelligence. ” To realize this vision, he advocated for the establishment of centers of excellence across the continent: “ It is essential that we move towards creating hubs in several African regions, giving them a specific focus on AI sovereignty. ”

These regional centers would also have the mission of ensuring the continuing education and skills development of information professionals, a sine qua non condition for preserving the chain of knowledge transmission in the face of technological changes.

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Preserving Memory and the Cinematic Revolution

Another priority project raised was the digitization of audiovisual archives. According to Mr. Thioune, preserving these collective memories allows us to " give AI technologies access to our past not only to preserve them, but above all to enrich their understanding of our values ."

Finally, the Sino-African film sector is poised to benefit from this transformation. The integration of AI promises " a transition by significantly reducing production costs, with faster digital editing processes, and consequently, rapid development of the African and Chinese film industry ."

Welcoming the pivotal role of the National Radio and Television Administration of China, the Beijing Municipality and the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), the Secretary-General concluded by expressing his hope that these exchanges would quickly lead to tangible results and promote sustainable growth for all actors in the media ecosystem.