Cyber Threats and Resilience for Media, Journalists and Newsrooms, Gaberone, Botswana 2026

From 5-7 of May, KAS Media Africa hosted the Cyber Threats and Resilience for Media, Journalists and Newsrooms Workshop in Gaborone, Botswana, bringing together journalists, editors, and media professionals from across the region and beyond.

In an increasingly complex digital environment, media actors face growing challenges ranging from cyber-attacks and surveillance to online harassment and the spread of disinformation - often amplified by artificial intelligence. The workshop aimed to equip participants with practical tools to strengthen both individual and organisational resilience.

Participants and facilitators from South Africa, Germany, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Tanzania, The Gambia, Somalia, Lesotho, Nigeria, and Malawi came together for the workshop, creating a dynamic platform for exchange, peer learning, and collaboration across different media contexts.

Over three days, the workshop combined expert input with practical exercises and interactive discussions, covering key topics such as the evolving cyber threat landscape, digital security practices, and risk mitigation for journalists and newsrooms. Participants explored strategies to counter disinformation and AI-generated content, engaged in hands-on sessions on verification and digital protection, and examined responses to online harassment. The programme also emphasised building long-term organisational resilience through improved newsroom policies, workflows, and awareness.

The workshop was led by a diverse group of experts who guided participants through both conceptual and practical aspects of cyber security and disinformation. A special thank you to

Christopher Nehring, a cyber and disinformation expert from Germany, who conceptualized this workshop and led sessions on cyber threats, disinformation, and AI-related risks. Alphonce Shiundu, Kenyan Editor at Africa Check, focused on disinformation trends in Africa and practical approaches to countering information manipulation. Athandiwe Saba, Editor and Data & AI Strategist from South Africa, provided insights into newsroom resilience, cyber risks, and digital security practices. Moffin Njoroge, an Investigative Data Analyst at Code for Africa, introduced participants to OSINT tools and verification techniques.

The Cyber Threats and Resilience for Media Workshop 2026 forms part of KAS Media Africa’s broader commitment to promoting a resilient, independent, and trustworthy media landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa. By strengthening capacities to respond to cyber threats and disinformation, the programme supports media professionals in fulfilling their democratic role and building public trust in media in the long term.