In Addis Ababa on 25 October, the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and representatives from the African Union Commission, UNESCO, the International Labour Organization and the European Union signed an action plan titled “Advancing Responsible Artificial Intelligence and Decent Work for Quality Journalism in Africa.”
The two‑day programme, which began on 24 October, focused on countering disinformation, improving journalists’ working conditions and defending media freedom. Participants examined how AI can aid research, translation and verification while also highlighting risks such as fabricated content, source impersonation and rapid spread of disinformation.
The discussion also tackled the continent’s chronic labour issues—low pay, insecure contracts, lack of social protection and editorial pressure—that undermine reporting quality. Delegates explored how AI‑driven automation could further reduce newsroom staff and considered collective bargaining, digital organising and labour rights as ways to strengthen journalists’ voices.
Safety and protection were central. Attendees addressed violence against journalists, digital security, impunity for crimes, and online harassment of women reporters. They called for coordinated action from local to continental levels to reverse the worsening situation.
Funded by the ILO, EU and UNESCO’s Multi‑Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, the plan draws on FAJ’s first continental survey of 1,586 journalists across 45 countries. The findings will underpin future advocacy with media organisations, governments and partners.
FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman said, “Artificial intelligence must not deepen the precarious conditions in which journalists across the continent continue to work. When journalists lack decent working conditions, quality journalism is weakened and consequently, disinformation and misinformation gain ground.” He added that AI should support journalists’ work and complement human judgement.
The adopted action plan will guide FAJ and its affiliates in advancing decent work, quality journalism and responsible AI. The organisation will continue to engage the AU, regional economic communities, UN agencies, organised labour, human rights groups and like‑minded partners to bring about progressive change.
