A decade after its inauguration, Muslim Television Ahmadiyya (MTA) Africa has emerged as one of the continent’s leading faith-based broadcasters, using television and digital platforms to promote religious education, cultural values and community development across Africa.
The regional satellite channel was inaugurated on 1 August 2016 by the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, who officially switched on the broadcast signal from the MTA studios in London, opposite the city’s first mosque. The launch marked the beginning of a new chapter in multilingual Islamic broadcasting across Africa.
At inception, MTA Africa transmitted programmes in English, Yoruba, Twi, French, Kiswahili, Wolof, Mandinka and Fulah, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the continent. Its regional broadcast hub was established in Ghana, while production was driven largely by volunteers working alongside dedicated broadcast professionals.
The first African production studio was established in Mauritius, where translation services, documentaries and programme fillers were initially produced. Over the years, similar responsibilities have been expanded to studios in other African countries, creating a wider production network across the continent.
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MTA Africa provides uninterrupted 24-hour religious, educational and cultural programming, reaching audiences through satellite television and digital media. Its schedule includes live Friday Sermons, This Week with Huzoor, Inspirational Africans, English and Mathematics on Television, Stories of Devotion, Journey to Islam, Faith Matters, village documentaries and Contemplations, among other programmes.
The broadcaster also transmits major international events, including the annual Jalsa Salana convention, in multiple African and international languages, enabling millions of viewers to participate regardless of geographical location.
As its footprint expanded, regional production centres were established in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Mali, Kenya and Sierra Leone, producing local-language programmes in Yoruba, Hausa, Twi, Kiswahili, Bambara, Jola and Mandinka. These productions have focused on religious education, moral values, literacy, health awareness and community development.
Recognising the changing media landscape, MTA Africa embraced digital broadcasting by expanding its presence on YouTube and other social media platforms. The strategy has significantly increased audience engagement, with viewership reaching tens of millions during major religious events such as the annual Jalsa Salana.
The broadcaster has also strengthened partnerships with public and private media organisations across Africa. Countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Tanzania, Nigeria and The Gambia have benefited from collaborative broadcasting initiatives and professional exchanges.
One of MTA Africa’s significant milestones was its admission into the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), following a formal presentation at the organisation’s conference in Botswana by Dr Qasim Akinreti of MTA Nigeria Studios. Since then, the broadcaster has participated in subsequent AUB conferences held in Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, offering training opportunities and content-sharing initiatives to fellow broadcasters.
Television organisations in Ghana and Malawi are among those that have benefited from MTA Africa’s capacity-building programmes, reinforcing its commitment to professional development within Africa’s broadcasting industry.
The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has repeatedly commended the commitment and selfless service of MTA Africa’s volunteers and staff, encouraging continued investment in training to keep pace with the rapidly evolving global media environment.
Similarly, the Managing Director of MTA International, Sir Munir Shams, has acknowledged the contributions of staff and volunteers across Africa, hosting appreciation events for regional coordinators and recognising their role in expanding the broadcaster’s reach.
As part of activities marking the station’s tenth anniversary, a commemorative gift from Africa was presented to the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at the Islamabad Islamic Centre in Guildford, United Kingdom, in recognition of his support for the growth of MTA Africa over the past decade.
From a modest regional initiative to a continent-wide multimedia broadcaster, MTA Africa’s ten-year journey reflects the growing role of faith-based media in promoting education, intercultural understanding and community engagement across Africa. As it enters its second decade, the organisation aims to deepen collaboration, expand local content production and continue using broadcasting as a platform for knowledge sharing and positive social impact.
