The Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA) has reaffirmed the centrality of self-regulation and co-regulation in ensuring professional, ethical journalism that is credible, independent and accountable to the public. It has accordingly endorsed the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 2019, which mandates African States to facilitate self-regulation that is impartial, inclusive and cost-effective.
The Network emphasised the urgency of tackling misinformation, algorithmic bias, and the lack of transparency by digital platforms, while advocating for African-led solutions that safeguard media freedom and promote accountability.
The NIMCA convened its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Arusha, Tanzania, from July 14 to 16, 2025, bringing together media leaders, policymakers, civil society actors, and development partners from across the continent. Organised as part of the second Pan-African Media Councils Summit, the gathering served as a landmark platform for reaffirming the principles of media self-regulation, adopting frameworks for digital governance rooted in African realities, and addressing the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in journalism.
The forum also highlighted the need for newsroom-level practices and regulatory guardrails to ensure responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in content creation and news curation.
In addition to digital concerns, participants strongly reaffirmed the role of self- and co-regulation in upholding ethical, credible, and independent journalism. They called on African governments to repeal laws that criminalise defamation and false information, urging the adoption of policies that support press freedom, media literacy, and journalist safety. The AGM also underscored the importance of inclusivity, with commitments to gender equity, disability representation, and accessible media regulation structures that reflect the continent’s diverse realities.
The summit further addressed the pressing issue of media sustainability, acknowledging the financial challenges faced by many media councils and newsrooms across Africa. Delegates called for increased investment in public interest journalism and urged development partners to support innovative funding models and capacity-building initiatives. By endorsing a strategic programme of action and electing a representative leadership board, NIMCA positioned itself as a unifying force for strengthening independent media regulation and promoting a resilient, rights-based media landscape across the continent.
Concluding the historic gathering, NIMCA extended an open invitation to all voluntary self-regulatory and statutory independent media councils across Africa to join the network in advancing collaborative, contextually grounded regulatory models. With a united voice, participants committed to upholding editorial independence, transparency, and public accountability in the face of evolving threats to press freedom and information integrity. As Africa navigates a rapidly changing media and digital environment, NIMCA reaffirmed its dedication to building a future where ethical journalism thrives and the public’s right to accurate, inclusive, and diverse information is fully protected.
The AGM also served as a platform for the formal adoption of NIMCA’s constitution and the election of its leadership, with Kennedy Mambwe of Zambia appointed as Assembly President and Phathiswa Magopeni of South Africa elected as Board Chairperson. With board representation drawn from East, West, and Southern Africa, the leadership structure reflects the network’s commitment to regional diversity and inclusivity.
The launch of NIMCA’s official website and strategic action plan marked another milestone in its institutional growth. As NIMCA continues to build momentum, the organisation remains steadfast in its mission to elevate journalism standards, foster regulatory cooperation, and ensure media freedom and integrity are upheld across the African continent.
