Cipref: Gabon at the heart of discussions on artificial intelligence

The International Francophone Press Conference (Cipref) officially opened its work this Wednesday, January 20 in Libreville, Gabon. Organized by the Gabonese Section of the French-speaking press, this international meeting marks a major step in Gabon’s desire to establish itself as a key player in debates on the future of information within the French-speaking world.

The conference is part of the dynamic driven by the highest authorities of the State in favor of the modernization of the media sector, the integration of technological innovations and the strengthening of Gabon’s influence in the French-speaking world.

It takes place from January 21 to 25, 2026 and brings together journalists, international experts, public institutions, digital companies, academics and civil society actors.
At the opening of the proceedings, the president of Cipref, Désiré Enam, underlined the importance of this meeting:
“This conference is fully part of the essential revolution that the exercise of our profession imposes on us in the era of artificial intelligence.

AI is already transforming the production, distribution and consumption of information, while questioning its credibility. It can be a wonderful opportunity or it can represent a major risk. »
At the heart of the discussions is a strategic and topical theme: artificial intelligence and its impact on the media. An invitation to “think about the future together, to reinvent our profession without denying it and to build a strong, credible French-speaking press resolutely turned towards the future”, according to Désiré Enam.

Cipref also places a central place on strengthening professional capacities, through practical workshops, targeted training and experience-sharing sessions, intended to support journalists in the evolution of their practices.
The Gabonese Minister of Communication and Media, Germain Biahodjow, for his part reaffirmed his country’s commitment to positioning itself as one of the key players in this ecosystem in Central Africa.
“The government is fully aware of these issues. Our ambition is to support the digital transformation of the media while preserving press freedom, pluralism and the quality of information,” he declared.

Beyond its content, Cipref contributes to promoting the image of Gabon as a country committed to innovation and eager to become an emerging French-speaking media hub.

Through this initiative, Gabon affirms its desire to play an active and constructive role in defining future standards for the French-speaking press.

Abdou Khadir Seck, special envoy to Libreville