African journalists seek broader access to development information

The call was made during a meeting between FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman and United Nations Under-Secretary-General and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Executive Secretary Claver Gatete in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The meeting explored journalism’s contribution to Africa’s development, with particular attention to access to reliable information, information integrity and the role of independent media in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Osman said journalists needed greater access to credible information, research and development data to effectively report on issues affecting African communities.

He observed that independent journalism was essential to informed public debate, enabling citizens to understand government policies, development programmes and decisions that shape their livelihoods.

“People-centred development and homegrown solutions are strengthened when citizens, including journalists, have access to reliable information and can contribute fully to public life,” Osman said.

Gatete expressed UNECA’s commitment to facilitating journalists’ access to information and evidence to help strengthen reporting on Africa’s development priorities.

He also emphasised the media’s responsibility in shaping the African narrative and telling the continent’s story in ways that promote people-centred development.

The FAJ delegation welcomed the commitment, noting that closer engagement with UNECA would provide journalists with opportunities to better understand the continent’s economic and social development agenda.

Osman said such cooperation would help African journalists bring homegrown perspectives into public discussions while maintaining their watchdog responsibility.

The delegation also raised concerns about journalists’ working and economic conditions, underscoring the need to strengthen public interest journalism across the continent.

The Federation said it remained committed to ensuring journalists actively participate in conversations about Africa’s future while holding institutions accountable through independent and professional reporting.

The engagement highlights the importance of collaboration between development institutions and the media in ensuring that Africa’s development agenda is informed by credible information, public participation and diverse perspectives.

It also reinforces the need for stronger links between institutions generating development data and journalists responsible for translating that information into accessible public knowledge.