Somali Government Media Officials Begin 21-Day Training Programme in China

JINHUA, China — A 21-day training programme for 27 officials from Somalia’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism has opened in Jinhua, in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, focusing on modern media strategies, artificial intelligence and combating misinformation.

The programme is being delivered by experts from Zhejiang Normal University and brings together directors, heads of government media departments and other ministry personnel.

The training aims to strengthen the professional skills and knowledge of Somali government media staff as the country seeks to modernise its public communication systems and adapt to changes in the digital media landscape.

Participants will study modern media strategies, the application of artificial intelligence (AI), media management and approaches to countering false information.

The programme also seeks to expose Somali officials to China’s experience in media development and the use of emerging technologies in news production and communication.

Zhu Yifeng, vice-president of Zhejiang Normal University, said at the opening ceremony that the workshop would promote the exchange of media expertise, strengthen bilateral ties and advance cooperation between Somalia and China.

Abdishakur Ali Ahmed, director of the Media Strategy Department at Somalia’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, said the training offered government media representatives an opportunity to learn from China’s experience in modernising its media sector.

He thanked the Chinese government, organisers and institutions involved in supporting the programme, saying it would help Somali media personnel improve their knowledge and professional capabilities.

“The Federal Government of Somalia thanks the Government of the People’s Republic of China for this valuable opportunity provided to government media staff to develop their knowledge and skills and benefit from innovation and modern media technologies,” Ahmed said.

The workshop comes as media organisations worldwide increasingly explore the use of artificial intelligence in content production, audience engagement and information management, while facing challenges posed by misinformation and rapidly changing digital platforms.

For Somalia, strengthening the capacity of government media personnel is part of broader efforts to improve public communication and the dissemination of official information.

The 21-day programme is expected to provide participants with practical knowledge and professional experience that they can apply in their respective departments upon returning home.