Organization Profile: MERSA Media Institute (MMI) - Media and Dialogue Solutions

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Executive Summary

MERSA Media Institute (MMI), operating under its initiative Media and Dialogue Solutions, is a non-profit media policy think tank and development organization based in Ethiopia. MMI works to build inclusive, resilient, and independent media ecosystems across the Horn of Africa by advancing professional journalism, information integrity, civic engagement, and constructive public dialogue.

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General Information

| Field | Details | | :--- | :--- | | Organization Name | MERSA Media Institute (MMI) | | Brand / Initiative | MMI - Media and Dialogue Solutions | | Entity Type | Non-Profit Media Think Tank & Development Organization | | Founder & Executive Director | Henok Semaegzer Fente | | Headquarters | Signal Business Center (Shola area), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | | Geographic Scope | Ethiopia & the Horn of Africa | | Core Focus | Media Policy, Journalism Capacity Building, Media Literacy, Civic Engagement |

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Vision & Core Objectives

Vision

To cultivate vibrant, objective, and self-governing media institutions committed to informing the public on issues that impact their lives and supporting democratic development.

Objectives

• Promote Ethical Journalism: Enhance journalistic skills, fact-checking, and adherence to high ethical standards.
• Foster Dialogue: Create safe, constructive platforms to bridge societal divides through creative formats.
• Support Media Sustainability: Help traditional and digital media organizations adapt to modern technologies and business models.
• Advance Inclusivity: Amplify youth, women, and marginalized community voices in national public discourse.

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Key Strategic Pillars & Programs

1. Journalism Training & Capacity Building

• Workshops on investigative reporting, digital security, fact-checking, and combating misinformation.
• Specialized reporting initiatives covering governance, climate, health, and social issues.
• University-to-newsroom bridging programs for emerging journalists.

2. Dialogue Studio & Arts for Dialogue

• Facilitates structured community dialogues and stakeholder conversations.
• Dialogue Taxi: A mobile studio setup traveling across communities to collect local narratives and facilitate conversations on the ground.
• Uses artistic expression and media arts to communicate complex social and policy issues.

3. Media Policy, Research & Literacy

• Conducts policy research and studies on media regulation, freedom of expression, and information ecosystems.
• Leads media literacy campaigns to equip youth and citizens with critical thinking skills against online disinformation.

4. Gender Inclusion & Youth Engagement

• Promotes gender equality by advancing female media leadership and gender-sensitive reporting.
• Builds youth leadership programs through civic participation and media storytelling tools.

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Target Audience & Partners

• Media Institutions & Journalists: Broadcasters, digital outlets, print media, and emerging newsrooms.
• Youth & Civil Society: Student communities, local civic groups, and local associations.
• Academia & Policy Makers: Universities and international development partners focused on media development and governance.

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Contact Information

• Office Address: Signal Business Center-Shola, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Official Website: www.mersamedia.org