Historical Background and Mission

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

PIWA was created in 2000 as an independent institution. It is an offshoot of the “Sahel Regional Program”, and later on “West Africa” Program implemented by Panos Institute Paris, from Paris.

PIWA was the first Panos Institute created in the southern hemisphere. It is today one of the most active members of PGSN (Panos Global South Network), which is made up of five other equally autonomous Panos Institutes.

The Panos Institute, through its West Africa Program, played a pioneer role in the early 90s in the liberalization of the West African media landscape (advocacy for a legal framework regulating the media; support for the creation of the first media associations; creation of a radio programs bank; Technical Assistance Units to support the first radio stations).

PIWA has succeeded in establishing itself since 2000, as a reference regional organization in terms of support to media and communication in West Africa.

MISSION

“Democratize communication and consolidate public spaces for open African societies in which citizens’ opinions are informed, and their voices amplified and heard”