The African Media Councils Conference, themed “A Solidarity-Based Approach to Regulatory, Financial and Digital Challenges,” brought together key media stakeholders to address emerging pressures in the digital era. In his keynote speech, Mulambo Haimbe called for greater unity and professionalism among African media practitioners. He emphasized that solidarity and self-regulation are essential for safeguarding media credibility. According to the Minister, a connected African media landscape, founded on shared standards and mutual support, is better equipped to navigate regulatory, financial, and digital challenges. He stressed that media freedom is most effectively protected through adherence to high professional standards rather than through direct government intervention, underscoring the importance of accountability within the sector.
Minister Haimbe highlighted the formation of the Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia in January 2023, formally launched in April 2023, as a model initiative to strengthen media accountability. This council provides a framework for ethical practices, oversight, and adherence to professional norms. The Minister encouraged participants to engage in open, honest discussions during the conference to develop collective strategies for reinforcing media institutions across Africa. He urged consideration of codes of ethics specifically designed for the digital era, including frameworks to address the impact of Artificial Intelligence on journalism. These measures aim to balance innovation with professional integrity, ensuring that the sector evolves responsibly while maintaining public trust.
The Minister assured delegates that the Government of Zambia would follow up on the conference outcomes through Cornelius Mweetwa, demonstrating commitment to implementing actionable strategies. Support from international partners was also highlighted. Petra Gasparova confirmed the European Union’s readiness to collaborate with African partners to promote media freedom, professional journalism, and an open information environment. Similarly, Berni Smith spoke on behalf of the British High Commissioner, noting the timing of the conference amid rising external pressures, including misinformation and disinformation. The presence of Johan Hallenborg emphasized the importance of shaping the future of media governance on the continent through collaborative and forward-looking approaches.
The conference underscored that media institutions must adapt to new challenges while upholding ethical standards and independence. By promoting self-regulation and professional excellence, African media can protect freedom of expression while maintaining credibility in the eyes of the public. Minister Haimbe’s keynote reinforced that collaboration, transparency, and proactive policy frameworks are vital for sustainable media development. Engagement with international partners further strengthens the sector’s resilience against external pressures. The outcomes of this conference are poised to influence media governance strategies, setting a precedent for ethical, innovative, and connected media practices across Africa.