Arusha—In a strategic move to strengthen press freedom and the right to free expression in Tanzania, the Media Aid for Indigenous and Pastoralist Communities (MAIPAC) has entered into a collaborative partnership with the Media Institute of Southern Africa – Tanzania Chapter (MISA-TAN).
The agreement was formalized during a high-level meeting held at MAIPAC’s headquarters in Arusha, bringing together MISA-TAN Chairperson Mr. Edwin Soko and a delegation from MAIPAC led by Executive Director Mr. Mussa Juma.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Juma emphasized that the collaboration aims to empower journalists, especially those operating in marginalized and rural communities, through targeted education and capacity-building initiatives.
“We intend to jointly develop funding proposals to support training programmes for journalists, community radio stations, and underserved populations. The goal is to raise awareness on press freedom and the fundamental right to freedom of expression,” Mr. Juma said.
He added that the partnership would also revive projects aimed at helping peripheral media practitioners establish and manage digital and social media platforms to enhance community-based information dissemination.
“MISA-TAN is a well-established institution with a strong track record in promoting media rights across the region. We believe that our cooperation will greatly benefit local media practitioners and the communities they serve,” he noted.
Mr. Soko reiterated MISA-TAN’s commitment to media development, highlighting the organization’s rich pool of expertise, research publications, and training resources that will be made available through the partnership.
“MISA is recognized across Africa and internationally for its leadership in advocating for media freedom and freedom of expression. This partnership is a timely and significant step toward strengthening those values in Tanzania,” said Mr. Soko.
As part of the collaboration, both institutions plan to co-organize ethics and professional development training for journalists particularly in the lead-up to the next general elections.
“We are exploring the possibility of conducting joint training sessions for members of MISA-TAN and MAIPAC, focusing on journalistic integrity, ethics, and responsible broadcasting,” he said.
Mr. Soko also encouraged MAIPAC members to formally join MISA-TAN to benefit from the broader network and professional development opportunities it offers.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Juma presented Mr. Soko with a book published by MAIPAC on indigenous knowledge in environmental conservation among marginalized communities.
The publication was produced with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Small Grants Programme, and coordinated by the Vice President’s Office (Environment).