Journalism meets tech as Africa’s media councils unite

DAR ES SALAAM: AS African media navigates the fast-evolving digital landscape, a pivotal international conference is set to bring together press councils and media stakeholders from across the continent to chart a new path for ethical, innovative and tech driven journalism.

Scheduled to take place in Arusha from July 14 to 17, the International Conference of African Press Councils is expected to draw over 500 delegates from Africa and beyond.

This landmark event will coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT).

This milestone not only marks decades of promoting press freedom and media accountability but also sets the tone for discussions about the future of journalism in the digital era.

In the three decades since its founding in 1995, MCT has played a critical role in defending media freedoms, mediating conflicts between the media and the public, promoting ethical journalism and providing training and legal support to journalists.

The Council has investigated and resolved thousands of complaints through its free and voluntary self-regulatory framework, upholding the principles of independence, fairness and public interest.

It has also pioneered initiatives that strengthened community media, advocated for media law reforms and led research and advocacy campaigns on journalists’ safety and media pluralism in Tanzania.

MCT Executive Secretary and Chairperson of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA), Mr Ernest Sungura, said the conference would include a vibrant exhibition that mirrors the energy of the Sabasaba Trade Fair, but focused entirely on the power and potential of journalism.

“This is about showcasing the impact of media work from exposing corruption and improving public services to driving civic engagement,” said Mr Sungura.

He added, “it’s also about embracing the tools that the digital age offers us, tools that can help us become even more effective and ethical storytellers.”

The exhibition will feature a wide range of innovations from media outlets, government departments, academic institutions and private tech companies.

This reflects the broader objective of the conference: empowering African journalists with the digital tools and regulatory frameworks needed to thrive in a rapidly shifting information environment.

Mr Sungura called on Tanzanian media houses to actively participate by presenting their achievements and digital initiatives to a diverse audience that includes the public, regional policymakers and global media leaders.

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“This is a unique platform to showcase how we are adapting to digital transformation and learning from one another. It’s also a chance to influence the future of journalism on the continent,” he said.

Public and private institutions are encouraged to demonstrate how their communication strategies contribute to transparency, citizen engagement and national development.

With a strong focus on East African media, the conference will explore how regional newsrooms are responding to technological advances, especially in mobile reporting, digital storytelling and real-time audience interaction.

In recent years, technological advancement has radically transformed the media landscape across Africa.

From the widespread use of smartphones and mobile internet to the adoption of artificial intelligence and data-driven reporting tools, newsrooms are being redefined in how they gather, verify and disseminate information.

These tools have improved efficiency, allowed for real-time news updates and opened up new storytelling formats such as podcasts, data visualisation and multimedia narratives.

At the same time, digital disruption has posed challenges, including the spread of misinformation, declining traditional advertising revenue and the pressure to keep up with evolving audience behaviour.

The Arusha conference is expected to address these complexities by fostering dialogue on sustainable digital models, collaborative factchecking networks and the role of innovation in safeguarding editorial independence.

Held under the theme: “Advancing Media and Communication Regulations for Journalism Excellence in Africa,” the conference is expected to serve as a milestone moment for African journalism, blending legacy with innovation and ethical standards with digital fluency.

Technology experts and digital innovators will be present, offering hands-on demonstrations of tools that can improve newsroom efficiency, strengthen fact-checking, enhance multimedia reporting and increase access for underserved audiences.

The event will also witness the official launch of MCT’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

Media veterans, journalism students, policymakers and advocates will gather to reflect on MCT’s legacy, its triumphs, its challenges and its ambitions for the next generation of journalists.

Over the years, MCT has not only handled thousands of complaints through its complaintshandling mechanism, but also trained more than 5000 media practitioners and editors on professionalism, ethics, conflict-sensitive reporting and gender-balanced coverage.

It has spearheaded national dialogues on media law reform, advocated for better working conditions for journalists and campaigned for safety and protection mechanisms for media workers in conflict zones or under threat.

This conference is being organised for the first time by the MCT in collaboration with the NIMCA, the East Africa Press Councils (EAPC) and the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports as a key partner.

In addition, other international meetings will be held alongside the main conference, including the East Africa Press Councils (EAPC) meeting and the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) meeting.

As Tanzania hosts this historic gathering, the nation stands poised to reaffirm its place as a continental beacon for press freedom, open dialogue and bold digital innovation signalling to the world that Africa’s media future is not just emerging, but leading