FORMER Zimbabwean deputy prime minister Arthur Mutambara has been appointed president of Africa’s syndicated multimedia news service, the African News Agency (ANA).
Mutambara, a chartered engineer and fellow of the UK-based Institute of Engineering and Technology, has been tasked with driving ANA’s media technology innovation and the development of strategic relationships and partnerships across the African continent.
ANA chief executive Grant Fredericks said Mutambara brings a wealth of experience and a formidable network which complemented the growth strategy for ANA.
Since its launch last year, ANA has made significant strides and expanded its global audience. Fredericks says ANA is on its way to realising its vision of reaching more than a billion views and readers globally.
Mutambara will be supported by ANA vice-president Djenaba Bathily and a highly skilled editorial team based throughout the continent.
The creative and innovative use of technology, smart deployment of both human and financial resources, as well as leverage already on the continent, has set ANA apart from its competitors, said Mutambara.
“Africa is rising. Africa is the last economic frontier. Africa is the latest region of high economic growth and high business growth.
"If all these things are true, it means the information and news about Africa is very important. The information and news about Africa is potential serious business,” he said.
Mutambara said there must be context and an understanding of the environment, the community which the information was extracted from, as well as impartiality, accuracy and balance.
Mutambara said he was excited to take on the role of ANA's president as he was of the view that news about Africa should be by Africans for Africa and the world.