The panel explores the complex dynamics shaping journalism across the African continent. From the political economy of media to evolving business and funding models, this panel seeks to examine the sustainability of journalism in the digital era.  Furthermore, who holds the power, funds the news, and ultimately, who pays the price?

The panel will highlight how youth and gender-diverse creators are using digital platforms to challenge traditional media narratives, promote inclusion, and showcase their resistance and active participation in building new models of information sharing that supplement Africa’s young democratic aspirations.

Provocation by: Amahle-Imvelo ‘Jaxx’ Jaxa, CEO of Jaxx of All Trades, South Africa

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Reflective discussion on key takeaways and commitments from the M20 Summit.

With only 4 African countries ranked as satisfactory on RSF’s World Press Freedom Index, the panel will explore growing threats to press freedom in Africa, including legal harassment, state surveillance, and internet shutdowns. It will also spotlight strategies media organisations and civil society are deploying to regain control of journalism and protect freedom of expression.

Provocation by: Hlengiwe Dube, Programme Manager, Centre for Human Rights, South Africa

The panel will explore how African regulators and the courts are responding to Big Tech and their anti-competitive practices. The panel will also highlight the different approaches being deployed in Africa to ensure fair digital markets support media sustainability and improve local media economies. Ultimately, this panel seeks to foster collaboration amongst the continent and calls for a unified approach to curbing big tech's impact.

At the intersection of governance and media, artificial intelligence and digital policies are rapidly reshaping Africa’s information landscapes. Recent frameworks such as the African Union's Continental AI Strategy and the ACHPR Resolution(s) are setting agendas for how AI will impact press freedom, digital rights, and inclusion. The panel will explore the efficiency of these instruments and their implication for media and digital inclusion.

Provocation by: Prof Alison Gillwald, Founding Director and Emeritus Distinguished Fellow, Research ICT Africa, South Africa

This panel explores data access and use for editorial and business purposes, and how these link up to Africa's affordances in the global AI stack and to African data governance regimes.

Provocation by:  Dr Shikoh Gitau, CEO, Qhala, Kenya 

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This panel will examine how global digital platforms are shaping African journalism and society. Bringing together platform representatives and independent voices, the discussion will probe questions of accountability, content governance, and the future of public interest media in a platform-dominated ecosystem. What models of responsibility, transparency, and partnership are needed to ensure that the relationship between platforms, journalism, and society strengthens democracy rather than undermines it?

This session will be held under Chatham House rules to encourage open and candid conversation. Participants are free to use the information shared, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speakers or participants may be disclosed

Provocation by: Richard Gingras, Center for News, Technology and Innovation, and Village Media, USA

Facilitated by: 

• Irene Jay Liu, Director, AI, Emerging Tech and Regulation at the International Fund for Public Interest Media, USA
• Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director, Media Foundation of West Africa, Ghana 
• Maurice Otieno, Executive Director, Baraza Media Lab, Kenya