- Digital Public Relations and Marketing Communication Trends in Africa
Authors: AW Njathi, B Watkins
Africa’s rapid digital connectivity growth has transformed the continent into a hub for socializing, entertainment, communication, and a thriving digital marketplace. Internet penetration has surged from 2.1% in 2005 to 24.4% in 2018 (Internet Society, 2022; ITU, nd), plugging Africa into the global digital economy. With its youthful population embracing online activities and a growing creator economy, Africa presents a vast untapped market and a need for effective communication management tailored to its unique context. Scholars, such as Ronél Rensburg (2007), emphasize developing African-centric communication theories that consider the continent’s distinct social fabric and value systems, contributing to global knowledge while empowering local development.
Preview book here: file:///Users/elva/Downloads/10.4324_9781032689654_previewpdf-1.pdf
- COVID-19 and psychological distress in Africa : communitarian perspectives
Authors: Yamikani Ndasuka (Editor)
A groundbreaking book delves into the intersection of mental health and African communitarianism, offering unique insights shaped by the experiences of vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing critical challenges such as depression, anxiety, and stress, the book examines the psychological effects of the pandemic on African societies while critiquing the role of media, misinformation, and disinformation in shaping mental health outcomes.
Taking a holistic and context-specific approach, it underscores the importance of localizing mental health systems to meet diverse regional needs. By drawing on communal values and indigenous knowledge, the book highlights how collective solidarity and individual well-being can be balanced to foster resilience and improve psychosocial outcomes across the continent.
With rich evidence and analysis, this timely work will resonate with scholars, researchers, and students in psychology, public health, cultural studies, and pandemic sociology. It’s a vital resource for those interested in understanding the nuanced interplay between mental health and community in the African context.
Access the book here: https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/86272
- Digital Platforms and the Global South
Contributors: Bouquillion, Philippe (editor)
Ithurbide, Christine (editor)
Mattelart, Tristan (editor)
This insightful book explores the transformative impact of digital platforms on the cultural industries in the Global South. Bringing together an interdisciplinary team of scholars, it examines how US-based Big Tech platforms interact with local and regional actors in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, uncovering a dynamic mix of competition, collaboration, and dependence.
The book highlights the emergence of local platforms, the rise of cultural entrepreneurship, and the reconfiguration of how cultural content is produced and circulated. A must-read for those interested in the transnationalization of cultural industries, digital transformations, and the geopolitical dimensions of media, it serves as a valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals in media, cultural studies, and international relations.
Acess the book here: https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/95713
- Putting Forward Sustainability as a Model for Journalism Education and Training
Authors: Nancy Booker, Bruce Mutsvairo, Dinesh Ballah, Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey, Kristoffer Holt, Lars Tallert & Jean Mujati
This study explores the evolving landscape of journalism education in Africa, focusing on the integration of sustainable journalism principles. Through an analysis of syllabi from journalism programs in Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana, the research highlights both promising efforts and significant gaps in preparing journalists to uphold core values such as truth-telling, fairness, inclusivity, and social justice.
The findings emphasize the need to address curriculum, pedagogy, and resource challenges to better equip journalists for the unique opportunities and ethical responsibilities in African contexts. This article provides valuable insights for educators, practitioners, and policymakers aiming to reshape journalism training in the Global South.
Access article here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17512786.2024.2344626