Back to Projects

Digital Journalism in Africa

What?

This project will ensure that broadcast journalists in Sub-Saharan Africa stay abreast of the latest technological-driven investigative techniques, including different approaches to accessing information. They will acquire skills to protect themselves, and their sources, particularly when communicating electronically and distinguishing between real and fake.

There are three elements to the project:

  • A two-day capacity-building workshop will be held in Windhoek, Namibia. Journalists will be invited to attend from South Africa, Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The curriculum will include freedom of information, investigating the environment, information security, interview skills, and personal security. A checklist on how journalists can stay safe online will be produced at the workshop.
  • One pre-recorded toolkit guide on investigative journalism in the digital age – made available on the PMA website for all journalists to access.
  • One online webinar to launch the checklist and toolkit and include regional and international experts and journalists who’ll share their experiences on investigative journalism.

This project is supported by The Grace Wyndham Goldie (BBC) Trust Fund and in partnership with The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).

Why?

The role that media can play as a watchdog is indispensable for democracy and freedom of expression.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, protracted armed conflicts, and rising terrorist threats, the past few years have been turbulent in Sub-Saharan Africa. Eroding public freedoms were evident during the pandemic, when governments in parts of the continent imposed sweeping restrictions on civic freedoms and press freedom, thereby limiting the ability to hold power to account.  According to the Afrobarometer’s latest survey the majority of people across the region expressed dissatisfaction with the way democracy worked.

During a time of confusion and disorder, the public needs strong and viable news media that inform citizens about current events and long-term trends. Therefore, now more than ever, there is a need for “strong investigative journalism”. This form of journalism goes further than conventional news reporting and can shine a light on social plights, influence public policy, hold power to account, and trigger change.

When?

This project will run from 28-29 June 2023 at NUST, Windhoek, Namibia.

The webinar will take place in early July (date TBC).


Digital investigative journalism toolkit and checklist now available!

The Public Media Alliance's newly launched digital investigative journalism toolkit and online safety checklist aim to bolster investigative journalism in sub-Saharan Africa.

Read More


All participants in a photo at the workshop's conclusion.

Digital investigative journalism workshop in Namibia

The Public Media Alliance held a workshop on digital investigative journalism in Namibia, to build up the capacity of journalists.

Read More


Windhoek Namibian

Investigative journalism workshop “happening at just the right time”

An interview with Emily-May Brown on how the PMA-organised workshop in Namibia will promote investigative journalism in sub-Saharan Africa.

Read More


Southern Africa

Investigative Journalism in Sub-Saharan Africa

Investigative Journalism in Sub Saharan Africa: staying up to date on the most recent technologically driven investigative tactics.

Read More


Digital journalism project: Meet our partner and facilitators!

Meet our partner and facilitators for our upcoming Digital & Investigative Journalism project, being held in Namibia.

Read More


PMA announces major projects for 2023

Here's a look at PMA's 2023 slate of projects — ranging from digital journalism, gender reporting, and sustainability!

Read More



Project partners



With support from The Grace Wyndham Goldie (BBC) Trust Fund


Featured image: The map of the world represented by illuminated digital connections. 3D image with depth of field on a LED screen. Credit: ktsimage / iStock 

Secondary image: The workshop was organised by the Public Media Alliance, in partnership with NUST and fesmedia, and with funding from the Grace Wyndham Goldie (BBC) Trust Fund. Credit: Fillips Iita.