ARUSHA, TANZANIA – Media councils across Africa have been challenged to take centre stage in promoting journalism ethics, safeguarding press freedom and championing sustainable development.
Representing President Suluhu Hassan, Vice President Philip Isdor Mpango reaffirmed the critical role media regulators play in elevating journalism standards across the continent.
Reflecting on the summit’s theme, Dr. Mpango outlined four key imperatives for African media during the 2nd Pan-African Media Councils’ Summit official opening at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), bringing together leaders and experts to tackle the evolving challenges and opportunities in Africa’s media landscape.
” I urge for swift action on AI in information dissemination and the critical need for robust legislation and regulatory frameworks to combat misinformation while safeguarding ethics and freedom of expression”, he said.
He further stressed that access to information is a fundamental right, calling on media houses to ensure inclusivity for all, particularly persons with disabilities, women, youth and children.
Dr Mpango powerfully advocated for the media to tell authentic African stories, moving beyond historical narratives of a “dark continent” to showcase Africa’s growing contributions, including in science and technology.
He challenged media to serve as an agent of transformation and bridge-building across nations.
“I urge media councils in Africa to remain steadfast in this journey by intensifying capacity building to combat misinformation, resolving complaints swiftly, and through collective effort, build a vibrant and impactful media across the continent”, he said.
The Vice President underscored the importance of robust legal and institutional frameworks that uphold the right to information and freedom of expression.
Other speakers echoed these sentiments. Zanzibar President H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi urged media to use their position to transform societies.
Mr. Ernest Sungura, Chairperson of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA) and Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), highlighted that African media challenges demand collective efforts.
The MCT, celebrating its 30th anniversary, specially recognised Tanzania’s founding presidents Julius Nyerere and Ali Hassan Mwinyi for their contributions to media development.
UN Resident Coordinator Susan Ngongi Namondo emphasised the timely nature of the summit, stressing the need for media that speaks to shared aspirations, shapes public discourse, and celebrates cultural identity.
She encouraged the review of progressive laws and the embedding of media and digital literacy in schools.
Dr. Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director General for Communications and Information (UNESCO), underscored the need to uphold media professionalism, promote press freedom, and engage in bold regional cooperation to navigate the complexities introduced by technological advancements and the spread of misinformation.
