3 March 2022: Media Development Investment Fund today announced the launch of the Nigeria Media Innovation Program (NAMIP), a 3-year initiative to increase capacity, generate sustainable and diverse revenue streams, and build audiences of independent media in Nigeria, particularly those reaching underserved communities.
Funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, NAMIP seeks to support the editorial independence of independent media by strengthening their financial sustainability. Using training, expert consultancies and community learning, NAMIP works to help media increase revenues, test new business models and instil financial discipline.
“Many independent media in Nigeria are struggling with unsustainable business models and grant-dependency, while audiences across the country lack reliable quality news and information,” said Bilal Randeree, MDIF Program Director for Africa. “NAMIP will provide the capacity and financial means for participating media to experiment and innovate with business models and new products, helping them to develop new revenue streams and build audiences that are vital for their future. We will also help media to build a robust community of partnership and collaboration, where they can share what they learn and help to build a stronger independent media sector.”
The program design incorporates learnings from MDIF’s successful South Africa Media Innovation Program (SAMIP) and Myanmar Media Program (MMP), as well as its work supporting the viability of independent media in Ethiopia under the PRIMED initiative.
Over a 3-year period, NAMIP will support up to 25 independent media, ranging from early-stage, small scale outlets to larger, more established players, serving both urban and rural audiences of mainstream and underserved populations.
Later in March, NAMIP will announce a call for applications.
About Media Development Investment Fund
Media Development Investment Fund is a not-for-profit investment fund for independent media based in New York, United States. It provides debt and equity financing supported by technical assistance to independent media companies in countries where access to reliable news and information is under threat. With more than $122 million assets under management, since 1996 MDIF has invested more than $270 million in 138 independent media businesses in 45 countries. It also provides technical assistance programmes for independent media in Africa and Asia. Its investments and support help independent media around the world provide the news, information and debate that people need to build free, thriving societies.