Russia enters African media with hub in Addis Ababa

The Addis Ababa centre is the first large-scale, multi-functional editorial hub established by a Russian media company in Ethiopia.
Sputnik, the Russian state-owned news agency, has launched its first African editorial centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The new hub marks a significant step in Russia's efforts to expand its media presence on the continent.
Speaking at the launch, Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Russian Parliament, emphasised the importance of the initiative.
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"This is a major step towards fostering a broad range of interactions between Russia, Ethiopia, and the African continent," she said.
The Addis Ababa centre will produce content in Amharic and English for radio, a dedicated website, social media platforms, and mobile applications. Sputnik plans to establish a network of correspondents, including at the African Union headquarters. Several Amharic language projects are already underway.
"We believe Africa is a vital voice in the world," said Dmitry Kiselev, Director-General of Rossiya Segodnya, the media group that owns Sputnik.
"The interviews we conduct here will be translated and shared in all 32 languages we operate in globally, giving Ethiopia a platform to reach a wider audience."
The Addis Ababa centre is the first large-scale, multi-functional editorial hub established by a Russian media company in Ethiopia, signifying a major investment in Russia's media strategy for Africa.
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