Programme Highlights

1. Innovation, sustainability and leadership in independent media

What does leadership look like when the future is uncertain? We unpack the new frontiers of sustainability in independent journalism. From digital transformation to environmental impact, and from burnout-proof leadership to bold innovation, this session sets the tone for navigating chaos with clarity. Media is more than a business – it’s a mission, and this talk lays out the roadmap for resilient, values-driven growth in turbulent times.

2. Global realities, African responses: Journalism in a shifting world order

As global democracy backslides and disinformation escalates, Africa’s media landscape faces complex, unique pressures – but also unprecedented opportunities. This panel assembles trailblazing editors, analysts and publishers to examine how African newsrooms are responding to the shifts in geopolitics, economics and technology. This conversation is essential for anyone navigating journalism at the intersection of global influence and local impact.

3. What the world can learn from us: African success models for sustainable media

The myth that African media must depend on foreign funding is being shattered by innovative, locally grounded success stories. We go deep into case studies of media organisations across Africa and beyond that have unlocked powerful, scalable business models without compromising editorial integrity. Expect practical lessons on diversifying revenue, building community trust, and leveraging audience insight. This is not theory – it’s the strategy behind survival and sustainability.

4. Leading through the storm: Founders forum on resilience

From crumbling economies to political crackdowns, Africa’s media founders have weathered it all – and some are thriving despite the odds. This candid conversation brings together powerhouse founders who’ve led their organisations through crises. They’ll share what kept them going, how they kept their teams intact, and why resilience is more than just grit. It’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to lead with vision when the playbook is constantly being rewritten.

5. The rise of audio journalism in Africa

In a continent where data is expensive and literacy rates vary, audio is emerging as one of the most democratic storytelling tools available. From WhatsApp to investigative podcasts, this session explores how African journalists are using audio to amplify unheard voices, reach rural audiences, and create intimacy with listeners. Learn what’s working, what’s next, and why sound is the new frontier for impact journalism.

6. Investor-ready media – Pitching for the future

In a funding landscape that’s shifting fast, media organisations can no longer afford to be reactive. This workshop will guide you through what investors and funders are actually looking for, how to frame your editorial mission as a growth opportunity, and how to pitch with confidence. You’ll walk away with practical tools, real feedback, and the language of scale – even if you’re still small.

7. Solutions journalism – Reporting what’s working

In a world saturated with crisis reporting, audiences are increasingly looking for journalism that doesn’t just spotlight problems – but explores credible, evidence-based responses. This hands-on workshop introduces the philosophy and practice of solutions journalism. You’ll learn how to structure stories around responses, find the right sources, and reframe your editorial lens to spark civic engagement and hope, without falling into advocacy or puff pieces.

8. Grassroots journalism as a lifeline

Hyperlocal doesn’t mean small impact. In underserved communities, grassroots journalists are often the only source of credible information – filling gaps left by national media and holding local power to account. This conversation explores the unique value of community journalism, the challenges of funding it, and the creative ways grassroots reporters are sustaining their work and building trust from the ground up.

9. Fighting fake news in a post-truth world

From WhatsApp conspiracies to coordinated troll farms, Africa is on the frontlines of the global disinformation war. But fact-checking, when done right, is more than reactive – it’s revolutionary. We break down what’s working, what’s failing, and how we must adapt our tools, language and mindset to fight falsehoods in an age where truth is under siege.

10. The journalism we need: Funding models that serve the public

How do we build media that doesn’t just survive – but serves? IWe dig deep into funding models that prioritise public interest journalism. Think beyond the donor dollar: from reader revenue and cooperative ownership to civic media funds and philanthropic investment, this is a rigorous, honest look at what sustainability really requires. Featuring funders and founders in dialogue, this session confronts the ethics and economics of who pays – and who gets to decide.

11. Data journalism that tells human stories

Big data doesn’t have to mean cold storytelling. In this workshop, data journalists unpack how to find powerful narratives in the numbers – and how to present them in ways that land with audiences. Whether you’re new to spreadsheets or already working with code, you’ll get practical insights on data sourcing, ethical visualisation, and humanising the story behind the stats. Because the best journalism puts people – not just numbers – at the centre.

12. Product thinking in independent media: Building journalism that works

In a world where attention is currency and audience needs evolve by the day, journalism can no longer afford to be just content-first — it must be product-smart. Independent media organisations are embracing product thinking to create more sustainable, user-driven news experiences. From designing newsletters that convert, to building tools and platforms with community input at the core, we explore how product strategy fuels growth, relevance, and impact. Hear from product leaders and newsroom innovators who are bridging editorial integrity with design, tech and data — all in service of journalism that works for its people.