'We are the most equipped generation to drive change' - Senanu Damilola Wemakor to young journalists at TN Africa Digital Journalism Summit

Ghana Representative for TN Africa and Lead Convener for Africa's first-ever digital journalism summit, the TN Africa Digital Journalist Summit 2025, Senanu Damilola Wemakor, has described young African journalists as the catalysts for change on the continent.

Standing before a cross-section of over 250 journalists, climate activists, digital creators, and students at the British Council Auditorium, he delivered a powerful message: “We are the most equipped generation to drive change, and we must act now.”

Delivering the opening address at the maiden edition of the TN Africa Digital Journalism Summit 2025, Wemakor challenged Africa’s young journalists to see climate change not merely as a subject to report, but a cause to champion.

“Climate change is not an abstract concept; it’s here, it’s now, and it’s reshaping our lives,” he said. “From the floods in West Africa to the droughts in the South, the signs are all around us.”

The summit, themed “Shaping Africa’s Future Through Climate Journalism,” brought together media professionals, policymakers, environmental advocates, and students to explore how digital storytelling can drive climate action across the continent. The day featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and innovation pitches focused on climate reporting, data-driven journalism, and the role of youth in shaping environmental narratives.

Wemakor painted a vivid picture of the climate crisis, noting that Africa recorded its second-warmest year on record in 2024, with devastating floods, heatwaves, and prolonged droughts. “These aren’t distant headlines, they are our lived experiences,” he said.

He explained that human activities such as plastic burning, illegal mining, and poor waste management are major contributors to the crisis. Yet, with 24 million internet users and 8 million active social media users in Ghana alone, Wemakor urged journalists to use their digital influence to educate and inspire action.

“Imagine what can happen if every one of us used our platforms to tell stories that inspire climate action,” he emphasized. “That’s the power of journalism, to inform, to influence, and to ignite change.”

Wemakor underscored that climate journalism is not just environmental reporting, but a moral responsibility. “Climate journalism is the duty we owe the earth and posterity, to amplify the relevance of environmental protection and demystify the science behind climate change,” he said.

He outlined TN Africa’s mission as one rooted in credible journalism, creative storytelling, and social progress, a blend designed to “retell the African story, the African way.”

“Young journalists must acquaint themselves with facts, figures, and realities,” Wemakor said. “Use your digital fluency and influence to re-educate the public, not with fear, but with facts that lead to action.”

He also called for collaboration between media houses, thought leaders, and innovators to share data, skills, and resources toward climate awareness. “A handful of lighted coal will burn brighter and longer than one. Collaboration is our biggest weapon,” he added.

Throughout the day, panelists and speakers echoed Wemakor’s call for collective action. The event featured keynote addresses from Emefa Apawu, Forestry Commission Deputy CEO, UNESCO, and IOM Ghana, who discussed policy, innovation, and youth engagement.

Interactive panels explored “Data Journalism for Climate Action,” “The Future of Environmental Storytelling,” and “Social Media as a Tool for Advocacy.” Participants also took part in networking and ideation sessions aimed at developing collaborative media projects on sustainability.

In his closing remarks, Wemakor expressed gratitude to the speakers, partners, and attendees for joining what he described as “a defining moment for Africa’s media.”

“This summit is more than a gathering,” he said. “It’s a movement, one that calls every journalist, creator, and citizen to use their voice and their craft to shape Africa’s story of change.”

About TN Africa

TN Africa is a pan-African media and communications platform committed to telling Africa’s story from an African perspective. Through journalism, storytelling, and youth-led innovation, the organization promotes credible information, creative advocacy, and sustainable development.

As part of its #StoryTheChange campaign, TN Africa aims to empower journalists, creators, and students across Africa to use storytelling as a tool for climate action and social progress.