African Media Councils Unite to Strengthen Independent Regulation
The Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA) has officially institutionalised its operations following a successful inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) held from July 14 to 16, 2025, in Arusha. The landmark event brought together 13 member media councils, regional and global media stakeholders, civil society, and policymakers to strengthen the landscape of ethical and independent journalism on the continent.
Held under the theme “Advancing Media and Communication Regulations for Journalism Excellence in Africa,” the AGM adopted NIMCA’s constitution, launched its official website, and unveiled a strategic action plan to fortify independent media regulation in Africa.
Delegates also elected Zambian media veteran Kennedy Mambwe as Assembly President, while Phathiswa Magopeni of South Africa was elected as Chairperson of the NIMCA Board.
The AGM, part of the 2nd Pan-African Media Councils Summit hosted by the Media Council of Tanzania, marked a pivotal moment for African media governance since NIMCA’s formation in Cape Town in May 2024.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to self-regulation and aligned themselves with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression. Delegates strongly called on African governments to repeal oppressive media laws, promote press freedom, and create enabling environments for ethical journalism.
Digital transformation and AI took centre stage, with calls for an Africa-led digital governance framework rooted in freedom of expression and transparency. Delegates also endorsed UNESCO’s Guidelines on Digital Platform Governance and urged caution and accountability in the adoption of artificial intelligence in newsrooms.
The AGM emphasized gender equity, disability inclusion, and financial sustainability as critical pillars of media regulation. NIMCA members pledged to champion accessible and inclusive media environments while appealing to development partners to invest in public interest journalism and media viability.
In a final resolution, NIMCA issued a continental call to action: all self-regulatory and independent statutory councils are invited to join the network in defending editorial independence, combating disinformation, and safeguarding the public’s right to credible and diverse information.
“In the face of rising threats to press freedom, NIMCA stands as a unified front to defend journalistic integrity, foster transparency, and promote accountable media across Africa,” the AGM concluded.
