…launches initiatives to elevate African narratives

In a bid to nurture the next generation of African storytellers, renowned journalist and Senior Africa Editor at Cable News Network (CNN), Stephanie Busari has launched a Global Storytelling Academy, to provide support, mentorship and resources to emerging narratives.
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The launch was made official at the celebration of Busari’s 25 years of work in journalism and 16 years of service at CNN. The event which held at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History brought together a number of notable figures, who gathered to recogniseBusari’s extraordinary legacy, redefining global perspectives on Africa through elite journalism.

Busari has a remarkable career that has spanned quarter of a century, elevating the standards of storytelling by retelling African stories through her deep coverage of impactful events and creating platforms for voices across the continent to be heard. Busari is an Emmy, Peabody and Gracie award-winning journalist, who continues to advocate for positive change through her commitment to amplifying untold narratives.

Speaking at the event, first female President of Mauritius, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, believes that the journalism space is in need of more personalities like Busari, to give more global audience to African perspectives. “My first encounter with Stephanie was in 2017 at the TED Global conference. I saw then a very articulate, determined, and ambitious young lady. Stephanie has become the face of Africa at CNN. People like Stephanie provide the voice that our continent needs,” said Gurib-Fakim.
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For British journalist and CNN News Anchor, Richard Quest, Busari has been instrumental in shining light on the untold stories that shape the African continent, noting that there are very few people in the industry who possess a similar drive. “It has been an honour and a pleasure to celebrate Busari’s achievements in broadcast and journalism. Over the years, we’ve done many stories trying to bring the excitement, vibrancy, imagination, and enthusiasm of Africa to the global audience. Busari is unique in her ability to do this,” he added.

The newly launched Stephanie Busari Storytelling Academy aims to nurture 100,000 African storytellers over the next decade, mobilising a $100 million fund to support thousands of emerging narratives across the continent. She sees the initiative as her means of giving back to the industry, and ensuring continuity of her legacy, by giving journalists, filmmakers, and creators a roadmap to presenting Africa’s stories with authenticity and depth.

According to Busari, “For 25 years, I’ve told stories that matter. Now, I want to help others do the same. The Academy will equip a new generation of storytellers with the tools to share their truth—unfiltered, undiluted, and unafraid. If we are to shift global perceptions and unlock Africa’s full potential, we must invest in the people who will shape how the world sees us.” Busari also launched her new website ‘StephanieBusari.com’ and innovative consultancy ‘SBB Media’, both set to revolutionise the depiction of African stories on the global stage.
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