Africa Media Lab is an initiative of the Centre for Media Development and Sustainability (CMDS), a new, international non-profit organization based Nairobi, Kenya. It was establisted by leading African and American media practioners. We work with broadcasters, journalists, media organizations and strategic partners to strengthen professional, independent and financially sustainable media across Africa.
Our team brings experience in journalism, broadcasting, media development, training, business development and international partnerships. We understand that strong media organizations need more than compelling content—they also need skilled professionals, sustainable revenue models, effective technology and meaningful connections with audiences and partners.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help African media organizations produce trusted, locally relevant programming, strengthen their professional and business capacity, and build sustainable institutions that serve their communities.
Our Approach
We work collaboratively with local broadcasters and media professionals to:
- Develop high-quality public-interest and business programming
- Provide practical training and professional support
- Strengthen organizational and financial sustainability
- Encourage digital innovation and audience engagement
- Connect African media with funders, advertisers, sponsors and international partners
Our Leadership
Joan Mower
Board Chair and President
Joan Mower is a former Director of Business Development at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, where she led international media distribution and training initiatives. She has extensive experience managing broadcasting and press-freedom programs across Africa and previously worked at the U.S. Department of State, the Freedom Forum/Newseum, the Associated Press and UPI. A former Foreign Service Officer and Johns Hopkins adjunct professor, she holds degrees in African Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and Johns Hopkins SAIS.
Japheth Koome Inyingi
Executive Director
Japheth Koome Inyingi is a media, communications and strategic-partnerships professional with more than 20 years of experience across Africa. As a regional representative for the U.S. Agency for Global Media and Voice of America, he developed partnerships, training programs and co-productions with leading broadcasters in East and Central Africa. His background includes journalism, television and radio production, media management, strategic communications and business development. He holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration and a bachelor’s degree from Kenyatta University.
Simaloi Dajom
Director of Strategy
Simaloi Dajom is Head of Broadcasting at Nation Media Group, overseeing NTV and Nation FM. She has two decades of experience in media strategy, training and organizational development and has supported more than 40 media organizations across Africa. She has trained and mentored over 700 journalists, managers and media professionals and has advised IREX, Internews and Voice of America affiliates on media growth and sustainability. She is a recipient of Kenya’s Top 40 Under 40 Women award. Simaloi graduated from The Kenya Institute of Mass Communication.
Young Muthomi Muchunku
Director of Training
Young Muthomi Muchunku is Managing Editor for Radio and Group Sports at Royal Media Services, providing editorial and strategic leadership across 14 radio stations, three television stations and Citizen Digital. He also coordinates the organization’s Breaking News Team. His experience includes newsroom strategy, editorial planning, content innovation, audience growth and journalist development. An active media trainer, he specializes in newsroom leadership, journalism ethics, multimedia storytelling and media sustainability. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Daystar University and an MBA in Strategic Management from Africa Nazarene University.
Peter Byengoma
Director of Partnerships and Business Development
Peter Byengoma is a business-development and strategic-partnerships executive with more than 20 years of experience in marketing, sales, branding, broadcasting and digital media. Formerly Regional Marketing Manager for the U.S. Agency for Global Media, he expanded Voice of America’s regional broadcast partnerships and helped strengthen the skills of media professionals across East Africa. He is also Executive Director of Production Chemicals Uganda, where he develops partnerships in the oil and gas sector. Peter holds a degree in Economics and Philosophy and a diploma in Purchasing and Supplies.
