Zimbabwe explores media cooperation with Malaysia

Zimbabwe and Malaysia are moving closer to formalising cooperation in the media sector, with negotiations on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at an advanced stage, Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana has said.

Speaking during an official visit to Media Prima Berhad's News and Current Affairs Division, Mangwana said most of the provisions of the proposed agreement had already been agreed upon, clearing the way for enhanced collaboration between the two countries.

The proposed MoU is expected to strengthen cooperation in digital transformation, broadcasting, news operations, professional exchanges and skills development.

"Part of this journey is to build a collaborative relationship in the media sector between Malaysia and Zimbabwe and we are working on an MoU," Mangwana told reporters after a dialogue session.

"Most of the clauses have already been agreed on how we can cooperate in the media space," he said.

Mangwana was accompanied by officials from Zimbabwe's Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services during the visit, which forms part of the delegation's official programme in Malaysia aimed at deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in the media industry.

The delegation engaged with executives from Media Prima, one of Malaysia's leading integrated media companies, to exchange experiences on media operations, digital innovation and public broadcasting.

The proposed partnership is expected to facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building and the exchange of media professionals between Zimbabwe and Malaysia as both countries seek to modernise their media sectors in response to rapid technological advancements.

Zimbabwe has been pursuing international partnerships to accelerate digital transformation in the information and broadcasting sector while enhancing the capacity of local media institutions through skills transfer and technology exchange.

If finalised, the MoU will provide a formal framework for cooperation between Zimbabwe and Malaysia in areas including broadcasting, journalism, digital media and institutional development.