The African community in New South Wales and across Australia is mourning the passing of Martin Kwakwa — a distinguished Ghanaian-Australian journalist, mentor and entrepreneur whose life’s work helped shape African visibility, dignity and connection in this country.
Martin was more than a broadcaster. He was a bridge between continents, communities and generations.
Matin Kwakwa , former SBS journalist, community leader and entrepreneur
Born in Ghana and later based in Sydney, Martin dedicated more than four decades to journalism across Australia, Africa and the United States. His career spanned respected media institutions including SBS, Australian Associated Press, and News Corporation. Through his work, he ensured that African stories were told with balance, depth and humanity — long before diversity became a buzzword in media circles.
At SBS, Martin became a trusted voice for African communities. He amplified stories of migration, culture, diplomacy, business and everyday life, always insisting on context and dignity. For many African Australians, he was one of the first journalists who made them feel seen and heard in the national conversation.
From Journalism to Entrepreneurship
Several years ago, Martin made a quiet but powerful transition.
After resigning from SBS (Sydney-based) , he stepped into the world of entrepreneurship, carrying with him decades of storytelling expertise and an unwavering belief in African excellence. He founded an online non-fiction book publishing and writing consultancy, supporting business owners, leaders and professionals to tell their stories with clarity and authority.
Martin Kwakjwa during his SBS years on the radio
In Martin’s own words:
“I have been a journalist for many years, for over 40 years, in Australia, Africa, and the United States. Among the news organisations and companies I have worked for are multicultural broadcaster SBS, Australian Associated Press, and News Corporation.”
Since 2021, Martin Kwakwa focused his energy on helping entrepreneurs understand the power of authorship:
On his LinkedIn page Martin described himself as “a non-fiction book writing consultant, helping business owners to tell the good story about their business in a book….the one thing that is quite clear to many is that the expert in a particular area writes a book on that particular subject.”
Martin believed deeply in the power of knowledge, credibility and narrative. He understood that in today’s world, authority matters — and that writing a book was not just an intellectual exercise, but a strategic tool for growth:
Beyond publishing, Martin also worked as a business and trade consultant, helping build bridges between Africa and Australia, advising individuals and organisations seeking to engage across the two regions. Once again, he positioned himself not at the centre, but as a facilitator — connecting people, ideas and opportunities.
A Legacy Beyond the Microphone
Martin Kwakwa’s legacy is not confined to radio studios or published stories. It lives in the people he mentored, the entrepreneurs he guided, and the communities he elevated.
He believed that African Australians belonged not on the margins, but at the heart of Australia’s multicultural story. He showed, through both media and enterprise, that African voices could inform, educate, influence and lead.
His passing leaves a deep void in the African-Australian landscape — in media, in community leadership, and in entrepreneurship. Yet his impact endures in the values he modelled: excellence, service, integrity and purpose.
As we remember Martin, we honour a life that refused to be limited to one lane.
A journalist who became an entrepreneur.
A storyteller who built platforms for others.
A Ghanaian-Australian icon whose work connected continents.
Rest in peace, Martin Kwakwa.
Your voice, your wisdom, and your vision will continue to guide us.
