African Media Leaders Adopt a Historic AMC Governance Charter at the 4th Africa Media Convention 2026

The Fourth Africa Media Convention (AMC-IV) from 4-5 May 2026 concluded at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, the Republic of Zambia, marking a transformative milestone for the continent's journalism landscape. Under the theme "Shaping a future at peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security", delegates successfully transitioned the Convention from a periodic event into a structured, independent institution by adopting the first-ever AMC Governance Charter.

Addressing the gathering, Zambia's Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, reaffirmed the timeless principle that access to reliable, diverse, and independent information is essential to strengthening peace, justice, and building a resilient global society. "The theme invites us to reflect on the profound connection between information and societal stability. Societal peace is critical for the future stability of our world, and through trust, accountability, and openness, journalism- when carried out freely-strengthens this reality." Mweetwa stated.

In a move to ensure continuity and accountability, the Convention aims to establish an 11-member AMC Advisory Council. This council will comprise nine representatives elected from various sectors, including editors' forums, journalists' unions, and academic institutions, alongside permanent facilitative seats for the African Union Commission (AUC) and UNESCO. Furthermore, a landmark proposal was considered to have the AUC house the AMC Secretariat for a renewable five-year term, providing the administrative backbone necessary to protect media freedom across the continent.

Coinciding with the Convention, the African Union Commission attended the stakeholders meeting on Africa Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Framework. As the first continental standard of its kind, the framework is a homegrown solution designed to address Africa's unique challenges, including linguistic diversity and infrastructure gaps.

​"This Framework is not a copy of models from elsewhere; it is an original, homegrown framework designed for African classrooms and digital spaces," stated the AU Commission representative, Mr. Gamal Karrar. "It creates the foundation for informed citizenship- essential to Africa's ongoing democratic consolidation".

While celebrating progress, the Convention also acknowledged ongoing challenges facing media freedom across the continent. Churchill Otieno, Chairperson of the AMC Steering Committee, expressed concern over recent developments affecting civic space. He called for continued constructive engagement between media stakeholders and governments to address what many see as a worrying trend in the treatment of journalists and civil society across Africa.

​The Convention honored the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, winner of the 2026 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, with a standing ovation to signal continental solidarity amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Delegates also demanded independent investigations into the record number of journalist killings globally, particularly noting the catastrophe in Gaza.

UNESCO Assistant Director-General Mariya Gabriel reaffirmed the organization's commitment to ensuring that Africa's digital transformation contributes to inclusive, peaceful, and democratic societies.

"UNESCO remains fully committed to supporting these efforts - alongside the African Union, Member States and all partners present today - in order to strengthen freedom of expression, protect journalists and ensure that digital transformation contributes to more inclusive, peaceful and democratic societies," said Mariya Gabriel, UNESCO Assistant Director-General.

As AMC-IV closes, the newly proposed Advisory Council will be elected after 90 days to guide the transition toward AMC-V, to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

​About the Africa Media Convention (AMC)

The African Media Convention (AMC) is the continent's premier annual gathering where editors, journalists, publishers, and civil society organizations from across Africa convene to address pressing media challenges by championing press freedom, ensuring sustainability, and shaping digital governance through collaborative dialogue and strategic planning.

For further information, please contact:

1. Noel John Kenyi | Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission | Email: [email protected]
2. Faith Adhiambo | Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission |E-mail [email protected]