African journalist leaders have adopted a comprehensive action plan to promote responsible artificial intelligence (AI), improve working conditions, and enhance media freedom across the continent. The plan was endorsed at the conclusion of a two-day dialogue and capacity-building programme organised by the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) in Addis Ababa on 24-25 October 2026. The programme brought together journalist leaders, representatives of the African Union Commission (AUC), UNESCO, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the European Union (EU).
The programme, titled “Advancing Responsible Artificial Intelligence and Decent Work for Quality Journalism in Africa”, focused on addressing the challenges posed by AI, improving journalists’ working conditions, and defending media freedom. Participants examined the impact of AI on journalism and the information ecosystem, discussing its potential benefits, such as research, translation, and verification, as well as risks like fabricated content and disinformation. They explored practical responses to protect information integrity, freedom of expression, and media freedom.
The programme also addressed the pressing issue of journalists’ working conditions, which affect the quality and independence of their reporting. Participants reflected on the problems of low or delayed pay, insecure employment, lack of contracts and social protection, and pressure on editorial independence. They considered the impact of AI-driven automation and cost-cutting on newsroom staffing and explored labour rights, collective bargaining, and digital organising as ways to strengthen journalists’ voice and rights at work.
Safety and protection were central to the agenda, with participants addressing violence against journalists, digital security, and the need to end impunity for crimes committed against them. They expressed concern about the increasing physical attacks and legal harassment journalists face in Africa while practising their profession. Deliberations also covered online harassment and digital violence targeting women journalists.
The programme was funded by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the European Union (EU), and UNESCO through UNESCO’s Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP). The deliberations were guided by FAJ’s recent continental survey on journalists’ working conditions, safety, labour rights, and media freedom, which gathered responses from 1,586 journalists across 45 countries.
The survey, the first journalist-led continental survey of its kind in Africa, provided a stronger evidence base for journalists and their organisations to advocate for change with media organisations, governments, and other institutions. Participants considered how the survey’s findings could inform their efforts to promote better working conditions, safety, and media freedom.
The adoption of the action plan marks a significant step towards promoting responsible AI, decent work, and quality journalism in Africa. The plan is expected to guide the efforts of journalist leaders, media organisations, and governments in addressing the challenges facing the journalism sector and promoting a more favourable environment for journalists to work in.
Key points
- African journalist leaders adopt a continental action plan to advance responsible AI, decent work, and quality journalism.
- The plan aims to address the challenges posed by AI, improve journalists’ working conditions, and defend media freedom.
- The programme was guided by a continental survey of 1,586 journalists across 45 countries.
