The Media Programme Sub-Sahara Africa of the KAS, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has been in operation since 2002. We oversee the entire Sub-Saharan region and work in collaboration with our 18 KAS offices across the continent. A detailed overview of where we are is provided here: https://www.kas.de/en/locations
As the Media Programme, we want to strengthen the role of free and independent media and improve the framework under which journalists work. The freedom of the press and the freedom of expression are central pillars of democracy. Here in Sub-Sahara Africa, we accompany the process of transformation, towards democracy in countries of the region.
The Media Programme is based on four main objectives: We aim to strengthen informed dialogue on the role of journalism in democratic societies. We support and connect initiatives that combat disinformation. We promote modern and practice‑oriented journalism education in cooperation with universities. We expand regional and international exchange opportunities for journalists and media professionals to enhance knowledge-sharing and professional networks. In addition, we support the advancement of investigative journalism to ensure that accountability, transparency and public-interest reporting are protected and strengthened.
To accomplish this, together with national and regional partners, we organise cross border conferences, workshops and roundtables, as well as case studies and analyses. We promote the exchange of ideas and experiences by bringing professionals from Sub-Saharan Africa and Germany together - journalists, media experts, media entrepreneurs, politicians, scientists, representatives of civil society organizations. In addition, the KAS organises dialogue programmes to Germany.
The Media Programme Sub‑Sahara Africa forms part of KAS’s global media network, alongside the Media Programme South East Europe (Sofia) and the Media Programme Asia (Singapore).