Media experts in the South-South and South-East regions of Nigeria are advocating for increased collaboration among journalists to enhance the tech ecosystem and ensure its sustainability. This appeal was made during a two-day Reporting Tech workshop organized by StartupSouth Enterprise Development LTD/GTE, which brought togethe 50 journalists from various media platforms of the regions . The Virtual  workshop aimed to provide these journalists with essential skills and knowledge to effectively cover technology and startups.

Uche Aniche, the convener of the annual StartupSouth tech event, highlighted that since its inception in 2015, the initiative has been committed to addressing gaps in the tech ecosystem, recognizing the role of technology in economic and youth development. He expressed concern over the under-reporting of the tech sector despite the presence of numerous startups in these regions. Aniche urged journalists to collaborate and increase their coverage of the challenges faced by startups in the South-South and South-East regions. He emphasized that such collaboration would help report the development of the region’s digital space.

The workshop was co-facilitated  by renowned multimedia journalist Chioma Ezenwafor, who emphasized the critical importance of mastering innovative technology terms and applying them accurately in journalism. Ezenwafor highlighted that technology journalism not only drives innovation but also holds the power to influence industry standards and accountability. She urged journalists to gain a deep understanding of the tech journalism landscape and encouraged them to report on rising issues in the tech ecosystem, focusing on pertinent stories within these innovations. Ezenwafor stated that if journalists in the region collaborate, they would significantly contribute to reporting the development of the region’s digital space.

Other media experts , including Senior Reporter at TechCabal Frank Eleanya, Corporate Communications Manager at Unity Bank Jonah Solomon, Founder of iBrandTV Keni Akintoye, Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Techeconomy Peter Oluka, and Founder of Wimbart PR, UK Jessica Hope, provided invaluable insights into the media’s crucial role in fostering tech and innovation. They emphasized the significance of understanding the profound impact of technology on culture and the economy. The experts highlighted the necessity for journalists to utilize modern technological tools, build a robust online presence to enable a wider reach, and craft compelling narratives.

They highlighted the media’s vital role in bridging the information gap by exploring the driving forces behind technology and information, introducing new ideas, and showcasing the practical applications and commercialization of emerging tech innovations in the region. They assured that effective reporting in the tech space would not only create value but also generate significant economic, social, and technological benefits. This approach would help solve startup business challenges, ensuring the region’s tech ecosystem thrives. Additionally, they urged startup enterprises and innovator  in the region to harness the media to gain visibility and  attract investment in to region.

StartupSouth Enterprise Development LTD/GTE’s training initiative has set the stage for enhanced tech journalism in the region, promising a more vibrant and informed tech ecosystem. The event marked a significant step towards nurturing a new generation of tech-savvy journalists ready to contribute to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s tech industry, with plans to transform the initiative into a fellowship in 2025.

The tech workshop for journalists, supported by the Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma Empowerment Foundation, served as a pre-event for StartupSouth9—Nigeria’s biggest technology and business innovation conference in the South-South and South-East regions. StartupSouth9 provides a platform for leading brands to extend their reach and connect with new audiences for free.