In a significant step toward strengthening citizens’ access to credible and responsible information, more than 3,200 journalists have been officially accredited after meeting professional standards required for journalism practice in Tanzania.
The journalists are among 3,900 applicants who sought Press Cards through the Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB), the body responsible for ensuring ethical and professional conduct in the media sector.
Speaking during the Annual General Meeting of Broadcasters (ABC) held on February 13, 2026, in Dodoma, Acting Director General of JAB, Patrick Kipangula, said accreditation is crucial in safeguarding citizens from misinformation, unethical reporting, and unqualified practitioners.
He explained that accredited journalists are better positioned to serve the public by providing accurate, balanced, and verified information, which is essential for informed decision-making, social accountability, and democratic participation.
“The accreditation process is not meant to exclude, but to protect the public interest by ensuring that those who gather and disseminate information meet minimum professional and ethical standards,” Kipangula emphasized.
The two-day meeting was officially opened by the Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamisi Mwinjuma, and organized by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).
The forum brought together regulators, journalists, and media stakeholders to discuss ways of improving media services for the benefit of citizens.
Participants included representatives from civil society and media organizations such as the Tanzania Bloggers Network (TBN), Jumuiya ya Mitandao ya Kijamii Tanzania (JUMIKITA), Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF), the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), MISA Tanzania, and East Africa Communication Organization (EACO).
Stakeholders noted that a well-regulated and professional media sector builds public trust, supports national development, and empowers citizens with reliable information.
The accreditation initiative was therefore described as a positive step toward promoting media responsibility while upholding the public’s right to be informed.