By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Zambia is hosting media regulators, Journalists, and stakeholders from across Africa for the African Media Councils Conference in Lusaka, focusing on regulatory, financial, and digital challenges affecting the continent’s media sector.
The two-day conference brings together representatives from independent media councils across Africa, as well as international delegates, to strengthen cooperation, enhance media self-regulation, and address the digital threats confronting journalism today.
In his keynote address, Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa, emphasized the crucial role of the media in democracy, citing the Zambian Constitution.
Mr. Mweetwa, who was represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to press freedom, noting that it is best protected through professional self-regulation rather than government intervention.
“Our government believes in the freedom of the press and we always encourage journalism that is objective, ethical and professional. It is for this reason that we supported the formation of a media self-regulatory mechanism — one that empowers members of the public to hold the media accountable,” he said.
He cited the establishment of the Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia (MSCZ) in January 2023, officially launched in April the same year.
The Minister cautioned that emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, fake news, and misinformation, pose challenges that require swift, coordinated action.
“These emerging challenges call for bold, swift and concerted efforts. The media industry must evolve and respond to technological change in order to promote a free, responsible and credible media that the public can trust,” Mr. Mweetwa said.
He urged delegates to use the conference, themed; Media Councils: A Solidarity-Based Approach to Regulatory, Financial and Digital Challenges,” as a platform to collaborate and develop unified strategies.
“I urge this gathering — bringing together media experts from across the continent and beyond — to deliberate, collaborate, and establish a unified approach to the media challenges facing Africa,” he remarked.
“You must endeavour to have open and honest conversations that build stronger alliances and develop collective strategies that can help councils and journalists alike rise above the challenges of the digital era.”
At the same event, Speaking at the opening, MSCZ Chairperson, Kennedy Mambwe said the gathering provides a space for honest conversations on building stronger alliances and developing collective strategies that can help media councils not just cope but endure, adapt and thrive.
Mr. Mambwe highlighted the growing pressures on media councils across the continent, citing financial instability, tightening regulatory environments, and the rapid shift to digital platforms.
“Here in Zambia, we are faced with an alarming proliferation of fake news, AI-generated images, and fake documents aimed at spreading falsehoods and misinformation,” he said. “Both Journalists and media councils must respond swiftly.”
Mr. Mambwe also acknowledged the support of international partners.
“This meeting would not have been possible without the support of BBC Media Action, SIDA, FCDO, and the European Union delegation, as well as the dedication of local media organisations and journalists who have embraced a code of ethics that holds them accountable to the public.”
The conference builds on the momentum of the 2nd Pan African Media Councils Summit 2025 held in Arusha.
The two-day conference is running from 17th to 18th March, 2026 in Lusaka. Delegates will share expertise and explore collaborative approaches to strengthen media self-regulation across the continent.
