Nairobi has become the first city outside South Africa to host the African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC), bringing together 450 journalists from 50 countries to examine the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of watchdog reporting.
The 22nd edition of the conference marks a significant expansion of the event beyond Johannesburg, where it has been held throughout its 22-year history.
Organised by the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications (AKU-GSMC) in partnership with the Wits Centre for Journalism, the three-day gathering will focus on artificial intelligence, open-source intelligence, data journalism, cross-border investigations, environmental reporting and journalists’ safety.
The meeting comes amid growing efforts to strengthen investigative reporting across Africa, where media organisations face pressure to expose corruption, scrutinise public institutions and hold powerful interests accountable.
AKU-GSMC, Dean, Prof. Nancy Booker says the conference is a platform to connect journalism education with newsroom practice while preparing emerging reporters for the demands of investigative work.
“Strong investigative journalism is essential to a well-informed public and accountable societies,” said Prof. Booker, adding that hosting the event in Nairobi would create opportunities for young journalists to learn from experienced practitioners.
Research by the Fojo Media Institute and Wits Journalism identified 32 investigative journalism hubs across 19 of sub-Saharan Africa’s 42 countries, pointing to the growing institutional presence of watchdog reporting on the continent.
Wits Centre for Journalism, Director, Dr. Dinesh Balliah says the partnership with Aga Khan University would bring together journalists committed to accountability while showcasing investigations produced under difficult working conditions.
Dr Balliah says the conference “lets us showcase the impactful work of journalists operating in difficult conditions and highlight African journalists’ contribution to the world.”
The programme is examining the growing use of technology in reporting, including how artificial intelligence and open-source tools are changing the way journalists gather, verify and analyse information.
The conference is a platform for journalists, editors and media trainers to share investigative methods, build cross-border partnerships and discuss ways to protect reporters working in increasingly complex environments.