Established two years ago by 13 media councils from West, East, and Southern Africa, NIMCA aims to strengthen independent media governance and promote media freedom throughout Africa.
In his opening remarks, Hendrik Sittig, Director of the KAS Media Programme Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the rapid growth of NIMCA, which was founded with the support of KAS Media Africa and remains one of its key partner initiatives. Reflecting on the network's development, he remarked: “The idea began with a conversation. It grew through encounters. And its future will be shaped by encounters as well.”
Over the course of two days, members discussed key organizational and strategic issues, including amendments to the network’s constitution, financial matters, and criteria for the admission of new members. Participants also exchanged views on some of the most pressing challenges facing media organizations today, such as state interference, corruption, and attempts to undermine independent journalism.
According to Moses Kaufa, Board Member of the Press Council of Malawi, NIMCA is “looking at cushioning Media practitioners and Media institutions from state interference and other attacks that would come from the public and other institutions.” The network serves as a platform for cooperation and mutual support among media councils that are working to uphold professional standards and media independence across Africa.
Under the revised criteria, media councils seeking to join NIMCA must have at least two women represented within their governing structures. This decision reflects the network’s commitment to advancing gender parity and promoting the participation of women in media leadership.
The discussion also focused on how media institutions can address corruption and respond to attempts to influence or intimidate independent media. Members shared experiences and best practices from their respective countries, highlighting the importance of strong self-regulatory mechanisms and regional cooperation.
As one of the network’s earliest supporters, KAS Media Africa hosted the Annual General Meeting alongside the Press Council of South Africa. KAS remains a committed partner of NIMCA and is proud to support initiatives that strengthen independent media, democratic accountability, and freedom of expression across the African continent.
Reflecting on the meeting, NIMCA Board Chairperson Dr. Phathiswa Magopeni emphasized the importance of “collaboration and solidarity” among the network’s members. She noted that learning from colleagues across the continent strengthens individual organizations and creates new opportunities for joint action. In an increasingly challenging media environment, such cooperation is essential to safeguarding independent journalism and promoting ethical media practices.
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