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By KPC Reporter Media professionals, regulators, and policy experts from across Africa and beyond will convene in Arusha for the 2nd Pan-African Media Councils’ Summit next week. The conference will be hosted under the theme “Advancing Media and Communication Regulations for Journalism Excellence in Africa.” Also Read Tusker Backs Prinsloo Sevens with KES 1.5 Million […]

Arusha International Conference Centre. Photo/ Courtesy

By KPC Reporter

Media professionals, regulators, and policy experts from across Africa and beyond will convene in Arusha for the 2nd Pan-African Media Councils’ Summit next week.

The conference will be hosted under the theme “Advancing Media and Communication Regulations for Journalism Excellence in Africa.”

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It will run from 14–17 July at the Arusha International Conference Centre and Lush Garden Hotel.

The summit brings together key players from independent media regulatory bodies, development partners, and thought leaders to deliberate on the future of journalism regulation.

Organizers say the event is taking place during a period of digital transformation, AI integration, and growing demands for ethical media.

The conference will also mark the inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA), according to the programme seen by KPC.

NIMCA is a continental platform created to promote credible journalism, freedom of expression, and accountability through independent media regulation.

The Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) Executive Secretary and President of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA), Ernest Sungura (right), listens to Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo (center) during a planning meeting in Nairobi. Also in the photo are NIMCA Technical Team member and MCK Director Victor Bwire (in a blue coat) and East Africa Press Council (EAPC) Coordinator Evans Teddy. Photo/ Couryesy

NIMCA Chairperson Ernest Sungura has emphasised the need for content moderation and regulatory innovation that aligns with global trends while safeguarding African media values.

Dr Tawfik Jelassi, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communications, will deliver a keynote speech.

A highlight of the summit will be the Policy and Power Ministers’ Roundtable, featuring government ministers from Tanzania and Zambia, who will discuss policy innovation in Africa’s digital media landscape.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania is expected to grace the event and deliver a keynote during Tuesday’s plenary.

Other panels will delve into journalism in the age of AI, data privacy, misinformation, and disability inclusion in media.

Experts from Asia and Europe will also participate to offer comparative insights into regulatory models.

The programme has also enlisted technical workshops, cultural excursions, and the launch of the East Africa Press Councils’ Strategic Plan.

Kenyan participants, who are being coordinated by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), will depart from Nairobi on Sunday.