Brussels podcast event tackles digital challenges facing young Africans

An event under the Kouman x Brussels initiative took place in Brussels, gathering young Africans, content creators, and media professionals to address issues young Africans face online. The event was built around the popular Ivorian podcast "Laissons Parler les Gens," which uses digital storytelling and humour to spark conversations about topics affecting youth online.

Legendary Congolese-French rapper Youssoupha attended, acknowledging cyberbullying and harassment as challenges but urging focus on the positive. He said hard times always exist, but moving forward requires drawing on encouraging people, resources, and strengths.

Congolese-Belgian digital creator Vanessa Caixeiro, host of "Les Confessions de Vanessa," described social media as a double-edged sword, noting that success without struggle leads to a fall. Ivorian-French comedian Sacko Camara added that online attacks target a constructed image, not the real person, and advised using humour as a shield.

Congolese actress Blessing Ngoy highlighted that today's generation seeks solutions to heal society and live together. Marta Rodriguez Martinez, co-founder of Istorias Media, emphasized that such podcasts create a space for young people to express themselves and foster social cohesion.

The event included workshops for researchers and institutional actors on connecting digital platforms with younger audiences, as well as a listening club discussing podcast episodes on hate speech, malicious AI-generated content, and cyberbullying. A 2019 UNICEF poll found that 34% of sub-Saharan African youth experienced online bullying, mostly on social networks.

Development expert Mame Peya Diaw stressed the importance of raising awareness, calling such projects crucial for informing and offering prospects to African youth.