Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango has called on African journalists and media institutions to take the lead in telling Africa’s story from within shifting focus from conflict and crisis to progress, resilience, and innovation.
Opening the African Independent Media Councils Conference at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), Dr. Mpango said the time has come for African media to project a positive and realistic image of the continent, one that reflects the aspirations and achievements of its people.
“For too long, Africa’s story has been told by outsiders often through the lens of conflict, poverty, and instability,” he said.
“But that is not the whole story. It’s time we tell our own storyone that speaks of innovation, academic excellence, resilient communities, and global entrepreneurship.”he added
He stressed the importance of journalism that highlights the strengths of African societies, including the courage of women, the ingenuity of youth, and the growing influence of African countries in science, governance, and the global economy.
The Vice President urged media players to align their work with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a united, peaceful, and globally respected continent.
He said media must act as a catalyst for change, driving public dialogue, connecting nations, and safeguarding Africa’s cultural and historical wealth.
Dr. Mpango also challenged conference delegates to propose legal and institutional reforms that would help the media industry harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly.
While acknowledging AI’s role in expanding access to information and enhancing reporting, he warned of the risks associated with misinformation.
“Regulations must be developed to ensure AI is used ethically protecting journalistic integrity, the public’s right to truthful information, and freedom of expression,” he said.
“The media has a duty to help distinguish fact from fiction, especially as deliberate misinformation becomes more sophisticated.”he added
He noted that strong and independent media institutions play a crucial role in promoting accountability and sustainable development, particularly through the dissemination of accurate information on employment, entrepreneurship, digital finance, and investment opportunities.
The Vice President also emphasized the need for inclusive media policies that guarantee access to information for all, especially marginalized groups and people with disabilities. He said this would help build a more informed, inclusive, and engaged society.
He called on media councils across Africa to remain firm in safeguarding press freedom and promoting media professionalism by handling complaints transparently and offering corrective measures when necessary.
Dr. Mpango further encouraged media institutions to invest in continuous training for journalists to sharpen their skills and counter the growing threat of digital disinformation.
Speaking at the same event, Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi expressed gratitude to the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) for posthumously honoring former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi.
The award recognized his role in liberalizing the media sector and allowing private outlets to operate freely.
“This decision laid the foundation for today’s vibrant media landscape in Tanzania,” said Dr. Mwinyi. “The award will inspire us to continue using media as a tool for development and civic engagement.”
Also recognized was Tanzania’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. Receiving the award on his behalf, Madaraka Nyerere said the late leader viewed media as central to freedom and democracy.
“During Africa’s liberation movements, media were powerful tools in advancing justice, freedom, and dignity,” he said.
“Mwalimu believed media freedom was a necessity for any society aspiring to be free and developed.”he added
Minister for Information, Culture, and Sports Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the media industry.
He announced a VAT exemption on locally printed newspapers in the 2025/26 budget to reduce production costs and promote wider access to information.
“The government is also investing in training and promoting responsible use of AI in journalism to ensure that technological advancements support rather than undermine media ethics,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the African Independent Media Councils Network, Mr. Ernest Sungura, outlined the challenges facing the media industry on the continent from sustainability to safeguarding press freedom and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to find lasting solutions.
He emphasized the need to strengthen journalism that informs, educates, investigates, and entertains while upholding ethics and professionalism.