PUBLIC COMMUNICATION OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION BY AFRICAN MEDIA RESEARCH JOURNALS: INSIGHTS FROM EGYPT, NIGERIA AND SOUTH AFRICA (2016–2023)

Abstract

The public communication of science, technology, and innovation involves many channels, like publishing in peer-reviewed journals, using traditional and social media, science fairs and exhibitions, and scientists’ blogs, among others. However, the place of African media researchers in innovation science communication remains a gap in academic discourse, as the focus has been on the role of traditional media or social media in promoting science. This study analysed how science, technology, and innovation (STI) are covered in selected African media research journals. Focusing on Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa, the study employed content analysis of 1,174 articles published between 2016–2023, covering 135 issues of open-access media journals from Egypt (45 issues), Nigeria (45 issues), and South Africa (45 issues). Based on the African Renaissance framework, the study adopted a quantitative content analysis as a research method. The findings showed differences in the reporting of STI research: Nigeria had 59, Egypt had 30, and South Africa had 23. However, only 10 articles in the seven years researched innovative science communication, where Nigeria had 2, Egypt had none, and South Africa had 8. South Africa performed better in discussing innovations, with studies like a first-aid app for non-health workers, and agricultural data for food security in Ghana using interactive voice response technology. In comparison, Egypt and Nigeria mainly focused on examining existing media practices, like whether they are good at managing floods or agriculture, which suggests the traditional approach. The study recommended that African media journals should be consistent with the goal of self determination in the African Renaissance by reporting innovations from research institutes, universities, and centres of excellence.