London — At 86, former Ghanaian president John Kufuor is charting an unexpected new path: building a pan-African news channel that could reposition how the continent tells its story. The John Kufuor media venture, still in its early stages, is envisioned as a digital-first broadcaster, accessible via mobile apps, aimed at countering government influence over local outlets and creating a unified African voice.
Kufuor, who served as Ghana’s president from 2001 to 2009 and was once chair of the African Union, has been in discussions with Afreximbank, the African Development Bank, universities, and private investors about funding. “Our mission is to make Africa more direct and connect with people, to tell the world what Africa is and what Africa is trying to do,” he said during recent talks in London.
A high-risk industry
The idea is ambitious. Pan-African broadcasting ventures have often struggled financially, given the heavy capital demands and competitive global media environment. Kufuor believes that a subscription-based app model could unlock “billions,” leveraging Africa’s fast-growing mobile penetration. He argues that if users identify with the platform, it will generate enough revenue to ensure journalistic independence, free from political interference.
The working name, Africa Public Interest Media Initiative, could later evolve into the African Broadcasting Network, depending on partners. Either way, the project aligns with Kufuor’s long-standing support for press freedom—he repealed Ghana’s criminal libel law early in his presidency, framing media independence as critical to democracy.
Legacy and mentorship
Beyond media, Kufuor’s legacy includes steering Ghana through debt relief under the IMF’s Highly Indebted Poor Countries initiative, unlocking more than $8 billion in benefits and drawing foreign investors such as Tullow Oil. He remains engaged in mentorship through the Kufuor Foundation, which has produced more than 200 young leaders in seven years.
Reflecting on Africa’s future, he highlights trade liberalization as key to unlocking growth. “Why can’t a businessman from Ghana move to Nigeria, which is only 300 miles away, and trade legitimately? If borders are liberalised, then trade will come.”
Looking forward
Kufuor’s late-career shift into media underlines his continued belief that Africa must advocate for itself on the global stage. He sees a continent poised to leverage its population growth, resources, and digital savvy—if it can also command its own narrative.
For Kufuor, the John Kufuor media venture represents more than business. It is the continuation of a lifelong commitment to giving Africa a stronger, independent voice.
