Safety, media freedom and integrity top agenda for World Press Freedom Day

As Tanzania approaches a pivotal election year marked by both promise and concern over the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on media, more than 300 journalists, media leaders, policymakers, development partners and journalism students gathered in Arusha to mark the World Press Freedom Day.

Thomson Foundation was among the key partners, continuing its leadership role in the media component of Wajibika programme-a six-year governance and accountability initiative funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Embassy of Switzerland, and implemented by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) through partners.

Over the two-day gathering, one message came through loud and clear, journalists need to be protected, especially during the tense period leading up to the next elections to ensure they are not exposed to threats, harassment, or violence.

Under the theme Reporting in the Brave New World: the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media this year's celebration offered a timely platform for examining the role of the media in strengthening transparency, accountability, and civic engagement as Tanzania enters a politically charged period ahead of its Presidential Election in October 2025.

As part of Wajibika's commitment to advancing media freedom and access to information, Thomson Foundation, Oxford Policy Management (OPM), Nukta Africa, UNESCO, and Jamii Africa co-hosted two key sessions. These sessions addressed some of the most pressing issues facing the media in Tanzania and across the region.

Media sustainability and disinformation during elections The first session addressed the future of media sustainability in the digital era. Panelists from Open Government Partnership, Media Focus Africa, International Media Support, Media Council of Kenya and Tanzania Media Foundation explored the grim arithmetic of journalism in Africa. Declining advertising revenues, limited success in monetising digital content, and a hostile regulatory environment continue to constrain editorial independence. Speakers highlighted the urgent need for innovative business models and a policy environment that supports freedom of expression and protects the role of the media as a democratic watchdog.

The second session focused on disinformation during elections and the role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, with key experts from Jamii Africa, Nukta Africa, Debunk Media, and Africa Check. They called for collaborative work for information integrity ahead of elections, including urgent investment in verification infrastructure, including fact-checking initiatives, media and digital literacy initiatives to prevent Tanzanians from falling for false information.

With Tanzania's elections on the horizon, the session served as a springboard for shaping future programming on election reporting. It also drew positive attention from key stakeholders, including the development partners, who were present and expressed interest in the ideas and resolutions discussed.

Africa is seeing a huge rise in false information being spread online, which is a serious danger to democracy. Recent research into disinformation operations in ten African countries reveals a growing trend that shows digital campaigns are increasingly tailored to manipulate specific audience, especially young voters, using AI-generated content and propaganda.

Wajibika is committed to creating better conditions for journalists and help people get reliable, high-quality information. The programme understands that Tanzania's media is changing, more people are getting news online, making it easier for false or unverified information to spread. The dual pressures of financial insecurity and regulatory constraints make it increasingly difficult for media outlets to fulfil their duty of holding power to account.

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