New dawn for automotive journalism in Africa: AAAJ launches in Kigali – Nsemkeka
Africa’s growing automotive industry has a new champion in the media: the Association of Africa’s Automotive Journalists (AAAJ). Unveiled at a landmark event in Kigali, Rwanda, the AAAJ brings together some of the continent’s most experienced motoring journalists to form a united platform for promoting professionalism, collaboration, and excellence in automotive reporting.
The launch coincided with the unveiling and test-driving of new Volkswagen models, with over 25 journalists from countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Mauritius, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Malawi in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Mike Ochonma, former Chairman of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association and the driving force behind AAAJ, described the formation as the result of years of conversation and collaboration among journalists and stakeholders across Sub-Saharan Africa. He emphasized that the AAAJ is not just a union of journalists but a platform to shape the future of automotive storytelling in Africa.
Leadership and Vision
The newly announced executive team includes:
Mike Ochonma (Nigeria) – President
Trevor Lamenya (Kenya) – Vice President
Fact Jeke (Zimbabwe) – Secretary General
Moses Akaigwe (Nigeria) and Richard Wiley (South Africa) – Advisers
Additional leadership roles are expected to be filled in the coming months.
Ochonma outlined the vision of AAAJ: To become the leading platform for African automotive journalists, promoting high standards and amplifying the voice of Africa’s auto industry.
The mission, he said, is to create a collaborative space for journalists to exchange ideas, elevate reporting standards, and provide a credible and informed narrative about Africa’s evolving auto ecosystem.
Driving Professionalism and Industry Growth
AAAJ’s core objectives include:
– Organizing training workshops, conferences, and seminars.
– Promoting knowledge-sharing and best practices in auto journalism.
– Creating a unified platform for news, features, and analysis across Africa.
– Advocating for accurate, balanced, and insightful reporting.
– Recognizing excellence in automotive journalism through annual awards.
Importantly, AAAJ aims to complement the efforts of the Association of African Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), which has led industrialization efforts across the continent since 2015. By promoting regional value chains and engaging governments to shape investor-friendly policies, AAAM’s work aligns with AAAJ’s journalistic mandate to spotlight Africa’s role in the global auto landscape.
Industry Backing and Encouragement
In a strong show of industry support, Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa, and Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, CEO of AAAM, congratulated the AAAJ leadership and pledged their support. Both called on the AAAJ to use its platform to reshape the narrative of Africa’s auto sector through informed, consistent, and impactful storytelling.
As Africa moves to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its regional manufacturing potential, the AAAJ stands ready to play a vital role, not just as observers, but as storytellers of a continent on the move.
For updates on the AAAJ and the future of automotive journalism in Africa, stay tuned to Ryde Channel.
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The author, Edward Boateng Opoku, known as Eddie Poku, is an automotive enthusiast and the creative force behind Ryde Channel on YouTube. His channel features in-depth car and motorcycle reviews, profiles of auto enthusiasts, and coverage of automotive events. Engaged in the automotive industry, Eddie actively participates in discussions about cars and motorcycles. Connect with him on YouTube at Ryde Channel, LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/edwardopoku2018, and visit www.rydechannel.com for more.