Collaborative Journalism Model for West Africa: Ajibola, Ejiro, Odinaka, Kunle Share Insights at AIJC 2024

Johannesburg, South Africa – The 20th edition of the African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC) is set to begin on October 30, 2024, at Wits University. One of the highly anticipated sessions, “A Model for Collaborative and Resilient Journalism in West Africa,” will take place from 2:10-3:10 PM at the John Dube Auditorium (WSS3).

This session will delve into the Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism’s (CCIJ) innovative approach to fostering collaboration and strengthening resilient journalism practices in West Africa. The discussion will focus on collaborative investigations, production, and distribution of reports, highlighting a series on elections and disinformation campaigns published across 14 news platforms.

Expert speakers will share their insights, including Odinaka Anudu, Editor of Economy Post; Kunle Adebajo, Senior Investigative Reporter at HumAngle; and Ajibola Amzat, Editor at the Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ). Ejiro Umukoro, Executive Director of LightRay! Media, will moderate the session.

As the African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC) 2024 kicks off, collaborative journalism takes center stage, seeking to address pressing challenges facing West African journalists. Focus Areas collaborative journalism seeks to address includes:

Countering Disinformation and Elections Interference

Collaborative journalism aims to combat disinformation campaigns threatening democratic processes in West Africa. By sharing resources and expertise, journalists can uncover and debunk false narratives, promoting fact-based reporting.

Enhancing Investigative Capacity

The conference seeks to strengthen investigative journalism capabilities, enabling journalists to tackle complex stories and hold those in power accountable. Collaborative investigations will facilitate knowledge sharing and skill development.

Promoting Regional Cooperation

AIJC 2024 fosters regional cooperation among West African journalists, encouraging cross-border investigations and information sharing. This collaboration aims to combat transnational crimes and corruption.

Supporting Journalist Safety and Security

Collaborative journalism prioritizes journalist safety and security, providing a network of support and resources for those facing threats or intimidation.

Innovative Storytelling and Audience Engagement

The conference explores innovative storytelling techniques and audience engagement strategies, ensuring investigative journalism reaches wider audiences and sparks meaningful conversations.

Different session focus areas include countering disinformation and elections interference, enhancing investigative capacity, promoting regional cooperation, supporting journalist safety and security, and innovative storytelling and audience engagement.Other notable sessions will feature renowned speakers such as John-Allan Namu, Co-Founder of Africa Uncensored; Phil Rees, Founder of Al Jazeera Investigative Unit; and Anas Aremeyaw Anas, acclaimed Ghanaian undercover journalist.

The AIJC 2024 conference promises to be a hub for investigative journalists, media trainers, and experts to share knowledge, network, and shape the future of investigative journalism in Africa.

Additionally, the conference will include a masterclass on digital forensics, verification, and OSINT tools, conducted by the Bellingcat team from October 27-29.

The AIJC 2024 conference is an initiative of the Wits Centre for Journalism (WCJ) and is supported by SKUP, the Association for Critical and Investigative Press in Norway, and Bellingcat. For more information and registration details, visit the AIJC website.