David Omwoyo, CEO of the Media Council of Kenya, has been elected President of the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) , an association of press and media councils dedicated to promoting freedom of expression, independent media and excellence in journalism.
The global solidarity body is committed to upholding high journalistic standards, ensuring that public trust in media is maintained worldwide. As President, Omwoyo will lead the WAPC’s mission to advocate for press freedom, elevate media standards and ensure national laws do not undermine journalistic integrity.
Omwoyo, who was elected on the sidelines of the second Pan-African Media Councils Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, previously served as the WAPC’s Second Vice-President.
Joining Omwoyo in the new leadership are Ali Hancerli from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as First Vice President, Kishor Shrestha from Nepal, as Second Vice-President, Ernest Sungura, Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania, as Secretary General and Turkey’s Dr Tamer Atabarut as Treasurer.
PICTURE: The newly-elected leadership of the World Association of Press Councils. Dr David Omwoyo is seated in the middle of the front row, with Ernest Sungura, second front (Media Council of Kenya)
The newly elected officials will serve a three-year term.
Omwoyo said his leadership will focus on global advocacy, engaging with governments, the United Nations and international bodies such as the African Union and the East Africa Community to promote press freedom
‘This development affirms Kenya’s prominent role and underscores its status as a global thought leader in protecting press freedoms and promoting media inclusivity,’ he said, noting his immediate priorities at the helm of the global media body will be ‘to ensure legislation and policies in member states safeguard professional, free and fair media’.
For East Africa, Omwoyo’s presidency signals Kenya’s leadership in promoting robust media standards across the region.
‘Kenya’s recognition on this global stage reflects our commitment to protecting press freedoms and promoting inclusive media practices,’ Omwoyo said. ‘We will work tirelessly to ensure media remains a pillar of democracy, both in East Africa and beyond.’
Under Omwoyo’s leadership, alongside the newly elected officials, the WAPC is poised to drive transformative change in global media landscapes, ensuring journalism remains a trusted and vital institution.
PICTURE: Kishor Shrestha, former Acting Chairman of the Press Council, Nepal, and Editor of the Janaaastha vernacular weekly, published in Kathmandu, celebrates as he is elected Vice-President of the World Press Council in Arusha
Outcome of the inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa
Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
The inaugural AGM of NIMCA convened in Arusha from 14 to 16 July 2025 under the theme, ‘Advancing Media and Communication Regulations for Journalism Excellence in Africa’.
The gathering brought together 13 NIMCA media councils, as well as other journalism and media bodies, policymakers, civil society actors, academics, editors and international development partners from across Africa and beyond.
The AGM marked a significant milestone in the institutionalisation of NIMCA, following its formation in Cape Town in May 2024. Delegates agreed on constitutional provisions for the Network and elected its leadership as follows:
Delegates called on African governments to repeal laws that criminalise defamation, sedition and the publication of false information, and to adopt legislative and policy frameworks that strengthen independent journalism and freedom of expression, support media and information literacy, and promote the safety of journalists.
Advancing digital governance and information integrity
Recognising the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, delegates expressed concern about the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation, algorithmic bias and opaque platform practices.
They endorsed UNESCO’s Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms and the ACHPR’s three Resolutions on developing African digital rights guidelines for freedom of expression, access to information and information integrity, focusing on issues such as the accountability of technology platforms, fact checking, information integrity, public service content in the digital age, and access to data.
The meeting called for a continental approach to digital governance that is rooted in African realities, prioritises freedom of expression and embeds safeguards to uphold public trust and media integrity.
South Africa’s Phathiswa Magopeni, the new Board Chairperson of NIMCA
Responding to Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies
Delegates noted the increasing use of AI in content creation and news curation, highlighting the ethical challenges this presents for accuracy, transparency and editorial independence. It called for the establishment of regulatory guardrails and newsroom-level practices that uphold journalistic standards while fostering innovation.
Promoting gender equity and disability inclusion
Delegates committed to institutionalising gender balance across all NIMCA governance structures and promoting inclusive media regulation practices.
The Summit stressed the importance of upholding disability rights and emphasised the need for accessible content, inclusive newsroom cultures and regulatory standards that reflect diverse lived experiences.
Strengthening media viability and sustainability
Acknowledging the financial precarity facing many media councils and newsrooms, delegates called for increased investment in public interest journalism and the development of innovative funding models for media regulation.
Participants urged media development partners to support the strengthening of regulatory bodies and fund research and innovation that contributes to media accountability and resilience.
Call to Action
NIMCA invites all voluntary self-regulation and statutory independent news content regulatory councils on the continent to join the network and collaborate in advancing rights-based, contextually-grounded regulatory models.
In the face of persistent threats to press freedom and information integrity, the AGM concluded with a resounding commitment to uphold the principles of editorial independence, transparency, inclusivity and public accountability
As Africa navigates complex challenges in the information ecosystem, NIMCA remains committed to building a media landscape where ethical journalism thrives, self-regulation is strengthened, and the public’s right to accurate, timely and diverse information is protected.
The NIMCA AGM was part of the proceedings of the 2nd Pan-African Media Councils Summit, hosted by the Media Council of Tanzania.
As Africa’s media landscape transforms at pace, sustainable funding for media regulators dominated discussions at the second Pan-African Media Councils’ Summit in Arusha, Tanzania. Leaders and experts from across the continent underscored the pivotal role of media councils and regulatory bodies as cornerstones of democracy.
Emmanuel Mugisha, Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Media Commission, asserted that governments must prioritise funding for media as a core pillar of governance and public accountability.
‘Just as governments sustain the judiciary and other state institutions, they must bolster media accountability and public interest journalism,’ he declared.
He proposed a media basket fund, potentially supported by telecom giants and tech firms that thrive on media content, to address the steep costs of quality journalism and ensure regulators’ independence.
David Omwoyo, CEO of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and East African Press Councils Secretary, showcased Kenya’s hybrid regulatory model, which blends public funding with autonomy. While effective in balancing press freedom and public interest, he acknowledged challenges, including representation and potential conflicts of interest.
‘These are the normal tensions of a thriving democracy,’ Omwoyo affirmed, advocating for funding mechanisms that shield regulators from political influence
Debate also centred on the feasibility of a unified African media regulation framework. An Algerian participant questioned why the continent could not adopt a singular model, to which Omwoyo responded that regulation must reflect unique political and social contexts, rendering a one-size-fits-all approach unworkable.
Instead, he urged countries to secure funding for public interest journalism while safeguarding regulatory independence.
Phathiswa Magopeni, Executive Director of the Press Council of South Africa, stressed the need for unfiltered, professional reporting. She argued that regulation should prioritise content over platforms, particularly in an era of digital media convergence.
Ernest Sungura, Chairman of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA) and Executive Director of the Media Council of Tanzania, called for collaboration, ethical standards and a bold Pan-African narrative
Describing the summit, co-hosted by NIMCA and the EAPC, as a ‘clarion call for a new era of media governance’, he urged regulators to champion a fearless, authentic voice that reflects Africa’s diversity and resilience.
In his keynote address, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information Dr Tawfik Jelassi, reinforced the need for enabling legal frameworks and independent regulators to foster ethical journalism.
Highlighting three decades of progress in Africa’s media sector, he stressed that an independent, pluralistic and free press is vital for democracy.
Dr Jelassi called for cross-border collaboration to tackle challenges like AI, misinformation and climate change, warning that ‘trust in media is under global strain as technology reshapes information flows’.
The summit, themed ‘Advancing Media and Communications Regulation for Journalism Excellence in Africa’, was hailed as a transformative movement to elevate journalistic integrity and ensure Africa’s media reflects the aspirations of its people.
PICTURE: Namibia’s Zoe Titus, Tanzania’s Ernest Sungura, South Africa’s Phathiswa Magopeni, Kenya’s David Omwoyo and Rwanda’s Emmanuel Mugisha at the NIMCA Summit in Arusha (EAPC)
When United States President Donald J Trump recently praised Liberian President Joseph N Boakai’s ‘beautiful English’ at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, social media lit up. The video clip went viral. Amid the noise, journalists in both the U.S. and Liberia failed to tell the real story: Liberia is stepping into a pivotal global role, and the world needs to understand why that matters.
In June 2025, United Nations member states elected Liberia to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026–2027 term, alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This achievement is not symbolic – it reflects strategic intent.
In 2024, the Security Council passed 46 resolutions, and nearly half addressed African crises, according to Oxfam. Withits new seat, Liberia now helps shape global peacekeeping, sanctions, and international interventions.
As part of the African bloc, Liberia is expected to promote peace, sovereignty and equitable development, especially for post-conflict nations. It may push for institutional reforms and champion the voices of women and youth. But its close ties to Washington will be tested. On issues like Gaza, Sudan, Haiti and Ukraine, growing rifts between U.S. positions and African consensus could force Liberia to walk a diplomatic tightrope.
Regionally, Liberia is repositioning itself. Under President Boakai’s leadership, the country is campaigning to host ECOWAS institutions, investing in civil service reform and sustainable agriculture, and asserting itself as a regional peace broker. Liberia’s Security Council membership, backed by ECOWAS, reflects growing trust in the diplomatic leadership of the country.
Yet, journalists and editors ignored the broader shift and zeroed in on a soundbite. They bypassed the reasons behind Liberia’s invitation to the Summit and what its presence reveals about U.S. strategy in West Africa, choosing instead to highlight a linguistic compliment. In doing so, they buried the real story
If journalism is to be more than infotainment, coverage of moments like this must move beyond the viral.
Liberia was one of five African nations invited to the Summit. Alongside it were Senegal, Mauritania, Gabon and Guinea-Bissau, each representing strategic value to Washington. These were not symbolic gestures; they were diplomatic calculations.
Senegal remains a democratic beacon in a coup-prone region, rich in gas reserves and increasingly central to U.S. clean energy goals. Mauritania, which borders Mali and Algeria, is a key counterterrorism partner. Gabon, despite a coup, holds climate and energy value due to its oil and rainforest assets. Guinea-Bissau, fragile but strategically located, remains vital in combating transnational crime.
Together with Liberia, these nations form a strategic arc stretching from the Atlantic to the Sahel, reflecting the U.S.’s pivot toward smaller, stable African states. We must also view this realignment through the lens of the U.S. foreign policy shift from ‘aid to trade’.
Since 2023, U.S. policymakers have restructured or scaled back USAID programmes across Africa. They now position Liberia not as a top aid recipient but as a strategic partner, offering fewer resources while demanding greater responsibility
Washington has shifted its approach, favouring private-sector-led engagement, pursuing trade deals, strategic investments and short-term influence instead of long-term aid. It now expects Liberia to vote in alignment at the UN, stabilise the region and open its markets, all while managing fragile infrastructure, high youth unemployment and growing donor fatigue.
The media missed all of this. There were no deep dives into the implications of aid rollback. No coverage of what ‘trade not aid’ means for countries still rebuilding. There is a lack of analysis of how African states, like Liberia, are navigating the growing distance between Western demands and African agency
Liberia has stepped off the sidelines. Liberia’s presence at the Summit and on the Security Council signals power and strategic intent, not sentiment. Years of peacekeeping, democratic transitions and regional diplomacy earned this moment.
Whether Liberia chooses to remain a quiet partner or rise as an architect of a more equitable global order, the media must critically provide coverage that honours Liberia’s evolving role on the world stage.
This brings to light several unanswered questions:
what specific actions is Liberia planning to take as a new member of the UNSC to address African crises?
how will Liberia balance its close ties with the U.S. while advocating for African interests on the global stage?
what impact will the shift from ‘aid to trade’ have on Liberia’s development and its ability to address internal challenges like high youth unemployment?
Ultimately, Liberia stands at a crossroads. Its decisions will not only shape its own future but also influence the broader African landscape in a rapidly changing world.
The media has a vital role in shedding light on this journey, ensuring that the narrative around Liberia’s advancements reflects the complexities of its new position. As Liberia steps into this pivotal role, let us watch and support its efforts to forge a new path of respect, cooperation, and strategic partnerships on the global stage.
LISA R WHITE
CEO of Genesys Communications. She holds a Master’s in Political Science and an Advanced Certificate in UN Studies from Long Island University–Brooklyn. She has worked across the U.S., West Africa and Europe in the U.S. military, the UN, diplomacy, media and public affairs.
Keynote speech for the Pan-African Media Councils Summit and the inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa
Tawfik Jelassi, UNESCO Assistant Director General for Communication and Information
Excellencies, Honorable Ministers,
Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Participants,
I am pleased to be here to address the second Pan-African Media Councils’ Summit, and to extend UNESCO greetings to all of you.
I would like to thank the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for its hospitality, and the Network of Independent Media Councils of Africa (NIMCA) for convening this important gathering.
I am also pleased to recognise the presence of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, Honorary Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, whose work is essential in defending these fundamental rights.
We meet at a pivotal time. Across the globe, trust in media is being tested. Technology is transforming how information is produced and disseminated, and freedom of expression and access to information face growing pressure
In this context, we must remember the words that laid the foundation for the media landscape in Africa and beyond, more than 30 years ago in Namibia, through the Windhoek+30 Declaration: ‘The establishment, maintenance and fostering of an independent, pluralistic and free press is essential to the development and sustainability of democracy in a nation.’
This vision – born in Africa and championed by Africans – remains more relevant than ever. Over the past three decades, countries across the continent have made significant progress in nurturing a vibrant media sector, driven by local efforts.
Much of this progress has been made possible by the creation of enabling environments: legal and policy frameworks that allow for independent regulators, support media self-regulation, and promote professional, ethical journalism. These foundations enabled journalism to thrive and gain people’s trust, even in the face of persistent and emerging challenges.
This Summit offers a critical opportunity to reaffirm a shared commitment: that journalism excellence is a cornerstone of democracy, human rights, and development in Africa
The central challenge before us is how to ensure that media and communication regulation keeps pace with rapid technological changes, while safeguarding information integrity, freedom of expression, and universal access to reliable information.
In the face of accelerating developments -Artificial Intelligence, disinformation, financial precarity – we must reflect on what forms of regulation are most effective, while remaining firmly grounded in international human rights’ standards.
When regulation is shaped by democratic principles, it can serve as an enabling force: protecting journalists, elevating standards, enhancing public trust and ensuring media freedom.
UNESCO’s Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms, released in November 2023, offer a model for this approach. These Guidelines advocate for a human rights-based multistakeholder framework to ensure that digital platforms operate transparently, remain accountable and respect international freedom of expression norms.
We also recognise that effective regulation must be inclusive by design. It must embed gender equality, uphold disability rights and protect the voices of those most often marginalised. In Madagascar, for example, UNESCO supported the institutionalisation of anti-harassment policies across 40 radio stations.
Building on this, UNESCO and OHCHR are developing a Human Rights Impact Assessment Guidance for Digital Platforms, helping companies conduct risk assessments that are not only gender-sensitive but inter-sectional, supporting women journalists and human rights defenders to navigate and mitigate online threats.
As part of our broader commitment to foster an ‘Internet for trust’, UNESCO is working in close partnership with Hon. Commissioner Topsy-Sonoo to advance Resolution 630, adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in March 2025.
This Resolution tasks the Special Rapporteur with developing Guidelines to help States oversee technology companies’ responsibilities in upholding information integrity -including through independent fact-checking.
This work will integrate African perspectives into broader digital governance efforts, ensuring they reflect regional needs and realities
Ten universities have already launched initiatives focused on gender-sensitive reporting, Indigenous representation, environmental journalism, data literacy and media viability, ensuring that future journalists are equipped to navigate both local challenges and global trends.
At the heart of this work are national and regional media councils. When they are independent and accountable, these institutions serve as guardians of professionalism. They defend ethical journalism, address public complaints, support journalists’ safety and encourage self-regulation over State control.
These institutions must be protected, funded and respected as democratic actors. No single institution can meet these challenges alone. Cross-border collaboration and regional standards are essential
Through regional initiatives – from access to information reform to conflict-sensitive journalism and gender-based violence prevention – UNESCO has helped foster connections between media actors, governments and civil society across Africa.
Looking ahead, regulation must not merely respond to change; it must anticipate it. The transformative impact of AI, algorithmic governance and data-driven content distribution require forward-looking, human rights-based approaches. UNESCO is facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues across Africa and beyond, to ensure that innovation does not outpace our ethical and normative frameworks.
As the UN’s specialised agency for freedom of expression, UNESCO stands firmly behind African-led reforms that advance media freedom, pluralism, and sustainability. We are not just observers or advisors. We are committed partners.
As we look ahead, let’s reaffirm our commitment to these principles and to ensuring that Africa’s media landscape remains a beacon of democracy, dialogue, and sustainable development for generations to come. Your dedication as regulators, media councils, and partners is essential to building resilient information ecosystems, promoting accountability, and defending human rights.
UNESCO stands ready to deepen this collaboration, support innovation, and ensure that journalistic excellence continues to serve as a pillar of freedom and progress across the continent.
Thank you.
PICTURE: Dr Tawfik Jelassi joyfully receives a shuka, with all its rich history, at the Summit in Arusha. Ernest Sangura of the Media Council of Tanzania can be seen in the background
Keynote address for the Pan-African Media Councils Summit and the inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa
Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, Commissioner at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Distinguished representatives of media councils, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I am honoured to participate in and deliver the keynote address.
At the outset, allow me to express my regret at not being able to be with you in person at this august gathering due to unavoidable circumstances. However, I commend the organisers for convening this important meeting under the theme of ‘Advancing Media and Communication Regulations for Journalism Excellence in Africa’.
Freedom of expression gives special rights and duties to the media. The media informs society on matters of public interest and creates an important platform for public debate, scrutiny, and reflection
It can be said that independent media and quality journalism are considered to be watchdogs of a democratic society.
The Commission has consistently reiterated the importance of free expression and press freedom. These standards are reflected in the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, which was adopted by the Commission to give effect to Article 9, reaffirming in the preamble, and I quote: ‘ .. The key role of the media and other means of communication in ensuring full respect for the right to freedom of expression, promoting the free flow of information and ideas, assisting individuals in making informed decisions, and facilitating and strengthening democracy.’
It is for this reason that I hereby heartily commend the establishment of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa, or NIMCA, which was officially launched in May 2024 at the inaugural meeting of African media councils in Cape Town, South Africa.
NIMCA, a continental initiative, was founded to unite independent media content regulatory bodies across Africa, whose core values include freedom of expression and credible and accountable media, in addition to adherence to the Commission’s Declaration which includes several principles, but above all, stresses the importance of creating an enabling environment to achieve an independent media.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The media is entrusted with a very important role: to inform society about matters that are important to it and to create a platform for public debate, reflection, and scrutiny. A key aspect of media independence is the ability to regulate itself
It is for this reason that the Declaration includes principles on media independence.
The following are excerpts of its principles:
Principle 12 on Media Independence provides that, and I quote: ‘States shall guarantee the right to establish various forms of independent media, including print, broadcast and online media.’
‘Any registration system for the media shall be for administrative purposes only and shall not impose excessive fees or other restrictions on the media.
‘States shall develop regulatory environments that encourage media owners and media practitioners to reach agreements to guarantee editorial independence and to prevent commercial and other considerations from influencing media content.’
Furthermore, Principle 16 provides that ‘States shall encourage media self-regulation, which shall be impartial, expeditious, cost-effective and promote high standards in the media’.
‘Co-regulation may also be encouraged by states as a complement to self-regulation, founded on informed collaboration between stakeholders, including the public regulatory authority, media, and civil society’
These principles highlight the critical role played by independent media councils, in addition to the importance of media self-regulation mechanisms which are independent from government control and committed to upholding the ideals of a free press.
In addition to this, a crucial aspect of media independence is the ability of journalists and other media practitioners to work in environments conducive to their important work. It is for this reason that the Declaration stresses the important role that states play in ensuring such an enabling environment.
Specifically, Principles 19 and 20 call on States to ensure both the protection and safety of journalists and other media practitioners. Principle 20 specifically calls on States to guarantee the safety of journalists, take proactive measures to ensure their safety, raise awareness, build the capacities of journalists and policymakers, and – lastly – take legal and other measures to investigate and prosecute attacks against journalists while ensuring access to effective remedies.
Accordingly, the Declaration affirms the principles for anchoring the rights to freedom of expression and access to information in Africa, guided by hard and soft law standards drawn from African and international human rights instruments and standards, including the jurisprudence of African judicial bodies.
It seeks to enhance the promotion and protection of the rights enshrined in Article 9 of the Charter by State parties. However, it is equally important for stakeholders, including the media and civil society, to utilise the Declaration and its principles as a yardstick to gauge the extent to which these rights are protected.
Read ‘The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa celebrates 20 years’, here
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished participants,
The Commission has also undertaken other initiatives aimed at enhancing press freedom in Africa. For example, cognisant of emerging threats within the digital space, the Commission adopted Resolution 591 on the need to undertake a study on digital violence against women’s rights in Africa, in order to assess the underlying causes, manifestations, and impacts of digital violence against women in Africa.
The study will undoubtedly take note of the specific situation of female journalists in Africa, highlighting their concerns and proposing recommendations on the measures which can be taken to ensure their protection
In addition, an ongoing initiative of the special mechanism, as mandated by the Commission, is to advocate for the decriminalization of defamation and similar laws in Africa, as stated in Resolution 169on Repealing Criminal Defamation Laws in Africa.
Criminal defamation laws constitute a serious interference with freedom of expression and impinge on the role of the media as a watchdog, preventing journalists and media practitioners from practicing their profession without fear and in good faith.
This standard is similarly reflected in Principle 22 of the Declaration, providing inter alia that ‘States shall repeal laws that criminalise sedition, insult and publication of false news, in addition to amending criminal laws on defamation and libel in favour of civil sanctions, which must themselves be necessary and proportionate’.
Accordingly, the Commission, through its various interventions, is committed to working with States and other stakeholders to address all legal restrictions that violate the right to freedom of expression and access to information in Africa, as well as infringe on press freedom.
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished participants,
As you dwell on the various discussions under the global theme of this gathering, I hope you will continually consult the Declaration and indeed other soft law documents of the Commission, such as its Resolutions, which highlight the importance of freedom of expression and press freedom
While I am not with you in person, I am certain that the constructive deliberations which will be held will yield fruitful insights on the various ways to ensure media independence and press freedom in Africa.
I once again commend the various organisers of this important gathering and look forward to receiving the outcome document, which I hope will include recommendations on how we can work together to ensure the right to free expression for all, and to address the importance of the role played by independent media councils in Africa.
Children’s rights should not be sidelined in the digital environment
Overview
Children across the globe are increasingly coming to terms with and engaging in a digital
world marked by both extraordinary promise and deep inequality. While the digital
environment offers unprecedented opportunities for learning, expression, and civic
engagement, many children remain disconnected, misrepresented, unprotected and at
risk of being misinformed.
The urgency of centering young voices in media integrity discussions is underscored by the 2024 Children in G20 findings, which reveal that 2.2-billion children and youth globally lack home Internet access, while those who are connected face significant rights violations including commercial exploitation, relentless data harvesting, behavioural profiling for advertising and inadequate protection standards.
The African child’s experience in the digital environment is uniquely shaped by a complex interplay of opportunity and adversity. Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with children and youth making up a significant proportion of its demographic landscape
The G20, as a global leader in digital governance, has a critical role to play in setting standards and fostering international cooperation that puts children’s rights at the centre of the digital future. This policy brief builds on G20 commitments to strengthen child and youth protection and participation in digital media.
Proposal to the G20
The G20 must recognise that building sustainable, inclusive and rights-respecting digital
communities means ensuring children are protected and empowered online.
As digital platforms continue to evolve rapidly, children in Africa, and globally, face urgent threats including unsafe online spaces, AI-driven surveillance and profiling of children, to deepfake technologies targeting minors, commercial exploitation of data, the digital divide and the explosion of mis and disinformation, all while being excluded from shaping digital
policies.
The G20 cannot afford to sideline children’s experiences, rights and best interest; they must be central to the global digital transformation agenda and uphold core protection principles of non-discrimination, protection, survival and development.
Defining the critical issue and role of the G20
The G20’s commitment to child online protection is not new. The 2021 High Level Principles for Children Protection and Empowerment in the Digital Environment
developed a framework that promotes governments’ adoption of measures that provide
for age-appropriate child safety by design, and which G20 members have been working
to implement.
Previous G20 efforts, documented through comprehensive toolkits, together with G20 Member States efforts (in the form of consultations with children in the 2024 edition of Children in the G20 by the Brazilian articulation group), have identified critical success factors in the discussion on children’s digital rights, including:
holding tech companies accountable
age-appropriate design
risk response assessment and mitigation
effective support systems, and
the essential role of states, civil society and business in safeguarding children online
Within the African context, the African Union’s Child Online Safety and Empowerment Policy provides a continental framework recognising that children face exposure to hate speech, inappropriate content and online predators while acknowledging digital technologies’ transformative potential for education and development.
Together, these frameworks establish that protecting children online requires both regulatory oversight and corporate responsibility.
Five interconnected themes that the G20 must address
1Children in the media: Regarding access to and consumption of news and information integrity, media policy must adapt by supporting digital participation, inclusive content, and youth-driven storytelling to reflect their lived realities and strengthen their media literacy.
This is also very true for African children, who increasingly access news and information through social media, Search platforms and streaming services. As young minds increasingly turn to smartphones and tablets, they encounter a terrain riddled with algorithmic sinkholes, colonial data traps and disinformation mirages.
This is not merely an access gap; it is an integrity emergency, threatening an entire generation’s right to truth. At the click of a button, they are exposed to an overwhelming volume of content, ranging from political developments and community news to the latest celebrity trends
Online platforms prioritise content based on algorithms, likes, shares, and trending topics, rather than principles of fair representation and inclusivity. Algorithms and AI systems merge news and entertainment and blur the lines between fact and opinion, making it difficult for children to discern the importance of hard news.
Emotionally charged and sensational content dominates their feeds. Less sensationalised but equally important content, which affects children’s lives and needs are often being ignored in favour of clickbait content.
Furthermore, these algorithms quickly create echo chambers, reinforcing children’s preferences by serving them more of the same type of content.
2Media and information literacy (MIL): As digital technologies reshape communication, education, and public engagement, MIL has become a vital 21st-Century skill. MIL empowers individuals, including children, to critically assess content, navigate media systems, identify disinformation, and participate meaningfully in public discourse.
Children’s exposure to harmful digital experiences translates to violent content, mis- and disinformation, cyberbullying, online grooming and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) which have detrimental effects on children’s mental health and development
Climate disinformation, as discussed in MMA’s discussion document, deserves special mention because it undermines children’s ability to understand environmental issues and make informed decisions about climate action, potentially limiting their participation in climate activism and their capacity to address one of the most pressing challenges of their generation.
Media literacy must be framed as a rights-based issue, Article 17 of the UNCRC
recognises children’s right to access information from a diversity of sources and the
obligation of States to guide children’s use of media in ways that protect them from harm and promote their well-being.
Another important dimension is the empowerment of children as content creators. Media literacy is not only about being informed consumers of media but also about becoming thoughtful producers of content.
In a world where anyone with a smartphone can post a video, write a blog, or share an opinion, media literacy gives children the confidence and competence to share their own stories, advocate for issues they care about, and participate meaningfully in public discourse. Empowering children with MIL is thus crucial.
3 The impact of Artificial Intelligence on African children and their right to privacy: AI is increasingly embedded in the digital environments that African
children use – from the games they play and the content they consume, to the education
tools they use.
While AI offers substantial benefits for learning, innovation, and service delivery, it poses serious risks through a lack of transparency in decision-making, extensive data harvesting, and limited contextual understanding.
African children, many of whom face compounded vulnerabilities due to structural inequalities, are especially at risk when AI systems are not designed with their rights, best interests, and participation in mind
Current AI systems often harvest and process children’s personal data without meaningful consent or child-centred oversight, amplifying risks of commercial exploitation, surveillance, profiling, manipulation and discrimination. Surveillance and data commodification reduce children to profit-generating datasets.
From recommender systems that promote harmful content to biased algorithms that reproduce racial, linguistic or socio-economic inequalities, these systems can undermine children’s best interests, including:
Urgent safeguards are needed to ensure AI technologies are accountable, transparent, and developed with African children’s voices, contexts, and rights at the centre.
4 The long-standing issue of the Digital Divide: The lack of investment in meaningful Internet access in schools is another challenge that translates into the lack of digital learning and outdated or narrow curricula focused on risks rather than building critical thinking.
The Digital Divide reveals underlying barriers, including high data costs and insufficient digital literacy training for both adults and children, factors that limit the effective integration of technology in educational settings.
G20 countries must ensure that online platforms adopt an intersectional lens to address how digital exclusion and online violence disproportionately affect girls, children with disabilities and those in conflict zones in line with the principle of non-discrimination as enunciated by the CRC and the ACRWC
5 Children’s right to protection and participation: The digital environment presents both significant opportunities and complex risks for children, making both their protection and meaningful participation important.
Although formal bodies like the Children’s Parliament are valuable, their integration into policymaking remains largely symbolic. Equipping children with the skills and knowledge to engage meaningfully is essential, but efforts must also address structural inequalities in legislation, education, digital access, language diversity, as well as adult duty-bearers’
capacity to listen to and act on children’s views.
1 Supporting child-safe digital environments: What measures beyond content moderation could ensure platforms prioritise child protection over engagement metrics?
2 Information integrity for children: How best can we ensure that children have access to diverse content, but also promote and ensure children have access to credible, accurate information?
3 Media literacy as a fundamental right: How can media and information literacy be integrated into education systems as a foundational skill rather than an optional add-on?
4 Cultural sensitivity and pluralism: Should G20 countries enforce mechanisms ensuring AI is trained on data that reflects African cultures, especially for low-resourced languages and indigenous knowledge systems, to make sure these identities are not erased by technology?
5 The participation gap: Children are digital natives but remain excluded from governance decisions. How can meaningful child participation be institutionalised in digital policy-making beyond symbolic consultations?
6 Addressing the digital divide: How can universal, affordable and child-safe Internet access be achieved, particularly in low- and middle-income countries?
7 Transnational enforcement: What legal mechanisms can hold G20-based platforms accountable for cultural and other harms relating to African children?
Proposed text for inclusion in G20 outputs
For the Heads of States (‘Leaders Declaration’):
‘We acknowledge the vulnerabilities faced by children in the digital environment and
commit to promoting formal mechanisms for their participation in digital policy-making
processes, such as youth parliaments and inclusive consultations.
‘We will prioritise childcentred protection and participation frameworks into G20 commitments to ensure alignment with international human rights standards, as well as legal and regulatory measures to hold G20 technology-based companies accountable for digital harms to children.’
For the Digital Ministers 2025 Declaration:
‘In recognition of the evolving digital landscape and unequal risks faced by children online, there is an urgent need for G20 countries and beyond to promote and support digital platform’s adoption of child-centred safety standards which include ageappropriate child safety by design, transparent moderation, algorithmic accountability, accessible reporting tools and clear measures taken to prohibit predictive profiling of minors.
Media and information literacy must be integrated into educational systems, especially for low-income countries and communities as a foundation for promoting digital citizenship and building resilience against digital harms.’
Recommendations and opportunities for G20 media
As real-time reporting through social media becomes more widespread, media, guided by human rights institutions, can strengthen their role in promoting ethical standards that amplify accurate and credible information that promotes children’s rights and debunk inaccurate information that reinforces harmful stereotypes.
Media can lead efforts to develop and enforce guidelines on the ethical use of children’s images and stories in online content, ensuring their privacy, dignity and best interests, as well as to amplify marginalised voices of children when it is in their best interest
This includes providing practical guidance for journalists, citizen reporters and media platforms on consent, anonymisation, and child-sensitive storytelling, particularly in crisis or high-visibility situations.
For media to remain competitive, they can adopt innovative formats and storytelling approaches that are diverse, inclusive and that promote children’s rights and reflect their lived experiences, while upholding ethical standards.
News media can collaborate with civil society institutions and campaigns that prioritise digital and media literacy for children, to educate parents and children on how to identify and report disinformation online.
Additional documents and further reading
The 2021 High-Level Principles for Children Protection and Empowerment in the
Digital Environment (as above)
The M20 initiative is a ‘shadow’ parallel process set up to intersect with the G20 processes. The M20 seeks to persuade the G20 network of the most powerful global economies to recognise the news media’s relevance to their concerns.
As a collaborative M20 document, this paper is a working, live document. Share your suggestions or comments for consideration at [email protected]
For more information about the G20 process, which is hosted by South Africa in 2025, visit the website here
Cape Town, South Africa, was the backdrop for a defining chapter in Africa’s media history in May 2024 when the inaugural Africa Media Councils conference evolved into the establishment of the Network of Independent Media Councils of Africa (NIMCA).
A transformative collective, NIMCA is not only a network of journalists and broadcasters on the continent.
It is Africa’s unified response to the demand for credible, independent and ethical journalism. It is an ambitious platform intentionally designed to safeguard media and journalists freedoms, enforce ethical standards and reinforce democratic values across the African continent.
Now, a year later, that journey has advanced to another historic moment: the Pan-African Media Councils’ Summit, hosted from 14 to 17 July in Arusha, Tanzania, at the Arusha International Conference Centre.
The original Cape Town conference was a gathering point for Africa’s media council leaders, Ombudsmen, civil society actors, the private sector and development partners. It was after rigorous deliberations that Africa’s independent media regulators committed to forging the new continental body to strengthen their efforts.
In a powerful display of continental solidarity, Ernest Sungura, the Executive Director of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), was elected as the inaugural Chairperson of NIMCA’s Governing Council. With over three decades in media governance and press freedom advocacy, Sungura is now the face of this movement.
One of his first assignments was developing a mobilisation and sustainability strategy to take NIMCA wider. He started by establishing an all-embracing Technical Team to guide key operations of the network, one of the team’s main roles being to ensure a successful and structured transition.
The inaugural NIMCA board successfully endorsed the team on 18 September 2024 at the UNESCO Commission of Tanzania offices in Dar es Salaam. The team comprises accomplished media and development experts, experienced journalists, institutional strategists, a citizen scientist and seasoned capacity building experts, including:
Read: Tanzania hosts Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa meeting, here
Under Sungura’s stewardship, the team has provided policy direction, institutional architecture and technical guidance, spearheading NIMCA’s evolution from concept to operational entity.
Most notably, the technical team oversaw the rebranding of the Africa Media Councils annual gathering into the Pan-African Media Councils Summit, established operational policies and standards, and designed a five year strategy (2025/2030) and a NIMCA Sustainability Road Map.
NIMCA’s core objectives are:
strengthening independent media regulation
promoting self-regulation and ethical accountability across national borders
enhancing press freedom and responsibility
defending the media’s right to operate freely, while fostering responsible journalism
building pan-African collaboration
creating mechanisms for peer learning, joint initiatives and cross-country solidarity,
combating misinformation and digital threats, and
developing strategies to address online harms, hate speech and misinformation
capacity building, and
supporting African media councils with technical training, data tools and evidence-based research
NIMCA is governed by a distinguished board reflecting regional diversity, with members from Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, Zambia and Kenya. The NIMCA leadership also includes the technical team. Its membership spans national media councils, Ombudsmen and other independent media accountability mechanisms.
NIMCA’s growth has been made possible through support from influential partners including the African Union, the African Union Commission, the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), UNESCO, the Ford Foundation, the Open Society Foundations, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), Internews, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), the Southern African Editors’ Forum (SAEF) and Glow Consulting Services.
These institutions have not only funded NIMCA’s foundational work but continue to provide technical and strategic support for its continental programmes.
From the heights of Table Mountain to the diplomatic heart of Arusha, NIMCA’s journey is symbolic of Africa’s rise – bold, unified and forward-looking. NIMCA is a movement of Africa that recognises that the strength of democracy lies not only in free expression, but in ethical, responsible and accountable journalism.
As Africa navigates complex social, political and digital challenges, NIMCA stands as a continental lighthouse.
It took place at a time when Africa lags behind the rest of the world in terms of digitisation. Our innovation, capacitation and ability to harness the dividends of a digitised society are not on par with global trends and standards. In the long run, this could reduce Africa’s and Africans’ competitiveness internationally.
Moreover, trends associated with Industry 4.0 (the Fourth Industrial Revolution) – especially in digital transformation, AI, data protection and privacy – highlight the need for African policymakers to acquire necessary, relevant skills to address policy issues, particularly in terms of global health security, in alignment with’ the Africa We Want’ as outlined in the African Union‘s Agenda 2063.
The inaugural Summit aimed at building the capacity of Members of Parliament in terms of AI, data protection and privacy with a specific focus on governance and policy considerations and challenges. It also laid a foundation to foster dialogue among policymakers, researchers and private sector stakeholders to align legislative action with Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
Each reaffirmed their commitment to the success of the Summit and underscored its timeliness and relevance, highlighting the critical importance of equipping MPs with the knowledge required to make informed legislative decisions on these complex and evolving issues.
They further indicated that the Summit was crucial for ensuring that technological innovation translates into tangible benefits for African citizens while safeguarding national interests, rights and sovereignty.
Members of Parliament
EXPRESSED appreciation to the APHRC and GSMA for convening the Summit as an opportunity to establish the foundation for long-term partnerships that enhance the role of research, data science, and innovation in policy processes across the continent
ACKNOWLEDGED the need for strengthening the connection between research and policy action by fostering dialogue among legislators, researchers and private sector stakeholders, ensuring that Africa’s policy responses are grounded in robust and locally generated evidence
WELCOMED the development of targeted data and digital literacy programmes for MPs and parliamentary staff, enhancing their ability to navigate complex issues such as AI governance, data protection, privacy and governance, and cross-border data flows
ACKNOWLEDGED that while AI offers significant opportunities for predictive healthcare, optimised resource allocation and enhanced production processes, it also presents risks related to inequality, exclusion and privacy violations if not governed appropriately.
RECOGNISED the need for robust Africa-led governance frameworks to ensure responsible AI development and application, given the potential impact on democracy, elections and governance which is key to the AU under the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance (ACDEG)
NOTED that digital health offers significant economic potential in Africa, estimated at $4.6-billion in 2024, with projections reaching approximately $5.7bn under a baseline scenario and $6.5bn under an optimistic scenario by 2030. This growth is expected to substantially contribute to the region’s health sector Gross Domestic Product (GDP), highlighting the critical importance of ongoing investment and strategic development
EMPHASISED the need for the transformative potential of digital health, which is revolutionising healthcare delivery through enhanced data utilisation, AI-driven decision-making and cross-border health information exchange – critical components for advancing universal health coverage across the continent
Further EMPHASISED the importance of establishing a normative standards framework for health to ensure that Digital Health Initiatives (DHIs) adhere to international standards. This includes adopting national Health Information Exchange (HIE) protocols to promote data sharing and policy harmonisation
RECOGNISED the necessity of facilitating cross-sector collaboration among the Commerce, Trade and ICT sectors to jointly explore opportunities for the digitalisation of manufacturing processes, thereby enhancing domestic productivity and supply chain resilience
Further RECOGNISED the necessity of creating an enabling environment for sustained investments in advancing connectivity networks, given their critical role in facilitating smart manufacturing
NOTED the need to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education initiatives to cultivate the necessary labour skills to meet the workforce demands for smart manufacturing in Africa
Further NOTED the need to integrate Industry 4.0 into national industrial policies by advocating for the explicit inclusion of digital transformation goals and metrics in national industrial development strategies and sectoral master plans
EMPHASISED the need to incentivise digital adoption among SMEs and mid-sized manufacturers by legislating laws and policies that champion targeted financial mechanisms, including: tax incentives for technology upgrades; direct grants and subsidies for digital adoption, and access to affordable industrial financing tools that reduce risk
Further EMPHASISED the need to establish and enforce data governance and cybersecurity protocols by encouraging African Member States to adopt and implement robust frameworks for data ownership, sharing and cybersecurity in line with the African Union’s Malabo Convention on industrial data protection laws, operational technology (OT) cybersecurity standards and national cyber resilience strategies for manufacturing systems
REAFFIRMED parliamentarians’ commitment, if capacitated, to facilitate the adoption of coherent and harmonised legislation that promotes responsible digital innovation, safeguards privacy and human rights, and ensures that Africa’s digital transformation remains inclusive, secure and aligned with the continent’s priorities
Further REAFFIRMED the need to drive regulatory reform to foster innovation by supporting the review and modernisation of outdated industrial regulations, and leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement to create regional supply chains for smart manufacturing inputs
ACKNOWLEDGED the opportunities presented by smart manufacturing, leveraging AI and automation to enhance industrial productivity, create jobs and strengthen Africa’s global competitiveness
RECOGNISED that these developments are pivotal for achieving the Aspirations of Agenda 2063, the AUn’s blueprint for inclusive growth, sustainable development and the continent’s integration
EXPRESSED the need to implement enabling regulations for investment in advanced connectivity infrastructure, e.g 5G, especially around Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Effective policies around spectrum can facilitate the roll out of 5G, including private 5G networks around SEZs where manufacturers are based to improve production processes
Further EXPRESSED the need for governments to build awareness of the benefits of smart manufacturing among manufacturers and SMEs, and launch campaigns to educate manufacturers on smart manufacturing benefits, such as cost savings and productivity gains
EMPHASISED the need to support local research institutions and start-ups developing affordable, context-specific solutions, given the unique issues that local manufacturers face in the region. Encourage reverse engineering and the adaptation of global technologies
NOTED the need to facilitate investments in renewable energy and off-grid solutions to address energy challenges, including exploring emerging models for off-grid solutions for renewable energy generation and distribution
At the end of the fruitful engagements and deliberations, the following recommendations were made for:
Members of Parliament to:
Support legislative and regulatory frameworks on AI for health and industry to ensure safe, transparent and ethical use at national, regional and continental levels
Develop Model Laws and Policy Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence, Data Protection and Privacy with support from the APRM, AUDA-NEPAD, GSMA and the APHRC, aligned with AU Agenda 2063
Advocate for the ratification and domestication of the Malabo Convention to address emerging technologies, including AI, cross-border data flows and evolving cyber threats
Support allocation of adequate funding for digital infrastructure, research, innovation and development in AI
Support vocational and higher education in AI by increasing the budget of the relevant academic institutions
Enhance collaboration between the PAP, AU organs and civil society organisations such as the APHRC and GSMA to develop and implement an Africa-led governance framework on Artificial Intelligence, ensuring it benefits all Africans
Facilitate cross-border research projects on AI solutions that address shared healthcare burdens and supply chain resilience, and
Institutionalise the convening of an annual Africa Digital Parliamentary Summit in collaboration with the APRM, AUDA-NEPAD, GSMA and the APHRC as a formal multi-stakeholder platform to review progress on recommendations made and monitor policy harmonisation
TheAPHRC, GSMA and other stakeholders to:
Support Members of Parliament and parliamentary technical personnel with continuous technical training, up-to-date research and knowledge exchange on AI ethics, data governance, digital health and smart manufacturing
Support the development of national AI capability frameworks to assess readiness at sectoral levels in collaboration with Members of Parliament
Facilitate the development of tailored leadership programmes for policymakers to understand AI’s strategic value
Support AU Member States in integrating smart manufacturing, digital health and AI into national development plans, mobilising resources, technical expertise and multi-sectoral partnerships
Encourage GSMA to deepen partnerships with the African private sector, mobile network operators and innovators to expand infrastructure and services that enable AI to ensure no community is left behind
Encourage the APHRC enhance its collaboration with the PAP and national parliaments to translate research into legislative action and to continue generating policy-relevant research on the socio-economic impacts of digital transformation
Facilitate an immersive learning experience in digital health and smart manufacturing for parliamentarians at the MWC GSMA Shanghai in June 2026, as part of supporting their capacity building in the adoption of coherent and harmonised legislation that promotes responsible digital innovation, safeguards privacy and human rights, and ensures that Africa’s digital transformation remains inclusive, secure and aligned with the continent’s priorities
Their session, marking two decades of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), emphasised that affordability, poor infrastructure and a lack of digital literacy continue to block access, especially for marginalised communities.
The speakers proposed a structured three-pillar framework – inclusion, ethics, and sustainability – to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.
The inclusion pillar advocated for universal connectivity through affordable broadband, multilingual content, and skills-building programmes, citing India’s Digital India and Kenya’s Community Networks as examples of success
On ethics, they called for policies grounded in human rights, data privacy and transparent AI governance, pointing to the EU’s AI Act and UNESCO guidelines as benchmarks.
The sustainability pillar highlighted the importance of energy-efficient infrastructure, proper e-waste management, and fair public-private collaboration, showcasing Rwanda’s green ICT strategy and Estonia’s e-residency program.
Dutta presented detailed data from Bangladesh, showing stark urban-rural and gender-based gaps in Internet access and digital literacy. While urban broadband penetration has soared, rural and female participation lags behind.
Encouraging trends, such as rising female enrolment in ICT education and the doubling of ICT sector employment since 2022, were tempered by low data protection awareness and a dire e-waste recycling rate of only 3%.
The session concluded with a call for coordinated global and regional action, embedding ethics and inclusion in every digital policy. The speakers urged stakeholders to bridge divides in connectivity, opportunity, access, and environmental responsibility, ensuring digital progress uplifts all communities.
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David Omwoyo, CEO of the Media Council of Kenya, has been elected President of the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) , an association of press and media councils dedicated to promoting freedom of expression, independent media and excellence in journalism.
Outcome of the inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa 
As Africa’s media landscape transforms at pace, sustainable funding for media regulators dominated discussions at the second Pan-African Media Councils’ Summit in Arusha, Tanzania. Leaders and experts from across the continent underscored the pivotal role of media councils and regulatory bodies as cornerstones of democracy.
Keynote speech for the Pan-African Media Councils Summit and the inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa
Keynote address for the Pan-African Media Councils Summit and the inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa
The Lusaka Declaration 
At the