Zambia Urges African Media to Unite and Uphold Professional Standards Amid Digital Challenges
The Zambian Government has called for greater unity and professionalism among media practitioners across Africa to address the growing challenges of the digital era.
Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, made the remarks in Lusaka during a keynote speech at the African Media Councils Conference. T
he two-day event, held under the theme “A Solidarity-Based Approach to Regulatory, Financial and Digital Challenges”, brought together media experts from across the continent and beyond.
Minister Haimbe emphasised that solidarity and self-regulation are vital in safeguarding media credibility. He noted that a connected African media, built on shared standards and mutual support, is better equipped to navigate emerging challenges.
He further stressed that media freedom is best protected through adherence to high professional standards rather than government intervention, citing Zambia’s support for the establishment of a Media Self-Regulatory Mechanism.
He highlighted the formation of the Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia in January 2023, officially launched in April 2023, as a key step in promoting accountability within the media sector.
“The conference is significant, and I encourage participants to engage in open and honest discussions to develop collective strategies that strengthen media institutions,” Minister Haimbe said.
He also urged delegates to consider creating codes of ethics tailored to the digital era, including frameworks to address the impact of Artificial Intelligence on journalism.
The Minister assured that the Government would follow through with the outcomes of the conference through Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, Minister of Information and Media.
At the conference, Ms Petra Gasparova, Charge d’Affaires of the European Union delegation to Zambia and COMESA, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting media freedom, professional journalism, and an open information environment across Africa.
Ms Berni Smith, Political Counsellor and Deputy Development Director, delivered remarks on behalf of Her Excellency Ms Rebecca Terzeon, British High Commissioner to Zambia, noting that the conference comes at a critical time when media across the continent faces external pressures, including misinformation and disinformation.
His Excellency Johan Hallenborg, Swedish Ambassador to Zambia, highlighted the event as an opportunity to shape the future of media governance in Africa.
The conference provides a platform for African media stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, enhance professional standards, and develop strategies to protect the integrity and independence of journalism in the digital era.
