Over fifty African participants completed ten days of training and discovery focused on new media languages in Moscow. The closing ceremony of the "Next Generation 2026" program, themed "Russia-Africa: New Media Languages," took place on August 3, 2026 in Moscow. Certificates were presented by Artem Kureev, editor-in-chief of African Initiative, and Ekaterina Torubarova, head of the public diplomacy department at Rossotrudnichestvo, the program's main organizers.
For ten days, participants received training in modern journalism, storytelling, fact-checking, digital content creation, and international communication. The program also included professional visits to Russia Today, African Initiative, and Ostankino telecentre, as well as cultural discoveries at the Museum of Victory and Patriot Park.
Among Malagasy participants were journalist Nirina Suzetta Randriamiarisoa, content creator Mamy Haja Stéphane, and culinary content creator Njac Razakaharisoa. The latter highlighted Russians' respect for their culture and history, which he found inspiring.
In his speech, Artem Kureev praised participants' commitment and recalled that the program aims to strengthen media professionals' skills and develop exchanges between Russia and Africa. This edition brought together representatives from twelve African countries, with a combined audience of approximately 30 million social media views. Organizers announced the program's continuation in future editions.