African Press Council Leaders Explore Media Regulation in Berlin, Germany and Brussels, Belgium

KAS Media Africa has concluded an intensive five-day dialogue programme in Germany and Belgium with eight heads and members of self-regulatory and co-regulatory press councils representing seven African countries, including, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana. The week offered an important opportunity for critical knowledge sharing, professional exchange, and expanding networks among participants.

With the recent founding of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA), and its members’ shared commitment to robust and collaborative regulation of media across the continent, this programme was designed to support peer learning and strengthen institutional cooperation.

The week began in Berlin, Germany, where participants engaged in in-depth discussions about the country’s sophisticated approach to independent media regulation. Meetings with the Complaint Management Officer of the German Press Council and a member of the Bundestag provided valuable insights into the roles of oversight bodies and legislators in combating disinformation and protecting media freedom.

The second leg of the programme commenced in Brussels, Belgium. There, participants met with representatives of several European Union institutions, including the European Parliament and the European Data Protection Supervisor. These discussions focused on broad EU media and data regulation frameworks, such as the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act, which aim to hold big tech accountable and ensure safer online spaces for citizens and media companies. These issues remain highly relevant for the African context.

KAS Media Africa is proud to facilitate these exchanges and build relationships between African journalists and their European counterparts. We believe this programme marks the beginning of ongoing, fruitful cooperation to strengthen independent, ethical journalism and media regulation across Africa.