Federation of African Journalists adopts action plan on responsible AI

The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) has finalized and adopted a comprehensive continental advocacy action plan to address the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), journalist welfare, and media freedom. The plan was concluded following a two-day dialogue held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from October 24 to 25, 2026. This initiative aims to establish a framework for how AI should be integrated into newsrooms across Africa while simultaneously addressing systemic labor issues and the physical safety of media professionals.

The dialogue brought together high-level stakeholders, including representatives from the African Union (AU), UNESCO, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the European Union (EU). Discussions emphasized that AI should serve as a supportive tool to enhance quality journalism rather than a detriment to newsroom standards. The advocacy plan focuses on promoting responsible AI use, countering disinformation, and safeguarding digital rights. Specific attention was given to the safety of women journalists, who frequently face unique threats of violence and online harassment.

A core pillar of the new action plan is the improvement of working conditions for journalists. FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman underscored the critical link between fair labor practices, the use of technology, and the overall quality of media output. The leaders argued that media freedom cannot be sustained without decent work, which includes job security and fair compensation. By tackling both the technological challenges of AI and the economic challenges of the profession, the FAJ intends to build a more resilient media environment capable of resisting political and corporate pressures.

Moving forward, the action plan will serve as a roadmap for the FAJ and its affiliates to engage with national governments and international bodies. Supported by international funding, the initiative seeks to create a fairer and safer environment for journalists across the continent. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that as African media houses navigate the digital transformation, they do so with a focus on ethical standards and the protection of the fundamental rights of those who produce the news.