WHAT: The Africa Media Convention (AMC) is the annual gathering for media stakeholders across Africa, focusing on enhancing press freedom, media sustainability, and digital innovation.
WHEN: 4th - 5th May 2026
TIME: 0930 – 1700hr SAST
WHERE: Lusaka, Zambia
WHO: African Union Commission, The African Editors’ Forum, UNESCO, Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa, M20 and other Partners
Background:
At the sidelines of World Press Freedom Day 2026 in Zambia, the 2026 Africa Media Convention is profoundly informed by the global UNESCO theme: “Shaping a Future at Peace.” This overarching mandate provides the critical impetus for the continental gathering, customizing this vital imperative to address Africa’s specific media landscape. The AMC’s focus is articulated as: Shaping a Future at Peace: Towards Safe, Sustainable and Trusted Journalism.
This comprehensive and deliberate agenda is founded on a non-negotiable principle: a future characterized by peace, stability and democratic governance across the African continent is unattainable without a free, vibrant and robust press. This press must be fully empowered to operate with absolute safety, unwavering independence, and financial viability.
To attend the World Press Freedom Day events on 4 and 5 May in
Lusaka, including the AMC, please register here
Objectives:
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Media Sustainability: Develop a continental roadmap advancing Africa-led strategies that transition media organizations from fragile funding models toward diversified, resilient, and commercially viable operations.
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Press Freedom Protection: Address the misuse of sedition laws, criminal defamation, and broadly defined "false information" provisions that restrict press freedom, while promoting safeguards for independent journalism.
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Digital Transformation: Accelerate adoption of innovative technologies, platforms, and business models to strengthen African media competitiveness, reach, and relevance in the evolving digital landscape.
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Combat Misinformation: Strengthen collaborative responses to disinformation, misinformation, and mal-information while ensuring citizens' access to credible, verified, public-interest journalism.
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Institutional Strengthening: Consolidate AMC's strategic focus, clarify stakeholder roles and responsibilities, and reinforce institutional linkages with the African Union for enhanced coherence and long-term impact.
For interview requests reach out to the AU Media Centre - Media@africanunion.org
For more information
Noel John | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | Email: Kenyin@africanunion.org
Faith Adhiambo ||Directorate of Information and Communication| African Union Commission |E-mail ochiengj@africanunion.org
