Media leaders, editors, journalists, regulators and development partners from across Africa have gathered in Nairobi for the Pan-African Media Summit 2026, a high-level forum focused on the future of journalism, digital transformation and the growing fight against misinformation.
The summit, hosted by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) at Safari Park Hotel, officially opened on Wednesday with discussions centred on information integrity, artificial intelligence, digital platforms and the sustainability of media institutions across the continent.
MCK Raises Alarm Over Growing Misinformation
Speaking during the opening session, Media Council of Kenya Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said the rapidly evolving digital landscape had significantly transformed the media ecosystem, creating new challenges around credibility and public trust.
“The media ecosystem has evolved rapidly, and the integrity of information is now at stake. That is why we are gathered here today to demand accountability,” Omwoyo said.
He noted that the summit seeks to develop practical solutions that can strengthen journalism standards and build more resilient information systems across Africa.
“We seek to chart a clear path forward and build robust information systems that the public can trust,” he added.
Experts Highlight Impact of Digital Platforms on News Consumption
The summit also examined changing audience behaviour, particularly among younger consumers increasingly turning to social media and video-based platforms for news and information.
Nejla Saula, Head of the Anti-Corruption and Integrity in Government Division at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), said access to accurate information remains critical in strengthening democratic participation and governance.
“Empowered citizens are essential to ensuring access to reliable and accurate information. They are better placed to make informed decisions and participate meaningfully in public life,” she said.
Saula further referenced global research showing younger audiences are consuming news differently from previous generations.
“Research from Reuters indicates that young people prefer video content and rely more on social media platforms than on mainstream media. It is therefore critical that we understand how these younger audiences consume information,” she added.
Calls for Collaboration in Combating Disinformation
Delegates at the summit emphasized that governments, media houses, technology companies and regulators must work together to address misinformation and safeguard information integrity.
“No single actor can tackle these challenges alone. That is why governments, media regulators, and all relevant stakeholders must strengthen collaboration at both regional and international levels,” Saula said.
African Union Director Huyam Ahmed also reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to supporting credible journalism and protecting reliable information systems across the continent.
“The African Union remains committed to information integrity because accurate information shapes better decisions across the continent,” she said.
Ahmed praised journalists and media practitioners for amplifying African stories and issues affecting communities across the region.
“To the journalists and media practitioners, your work matters. Together, you are helping to tell Africa’s story,” she added.
Summit Focuses on AI, Media Sustainability and Ethics
The summit comes at a time when artificial intelligence, digital disruption and changing consumer habits are reshaping traditional journalism and media business models.
Organisers said the discussions would focus on actionable solutions aimed at improving media viability, strengthening ethical journalism and protecting press freedom in the digital age.
The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kenya, Henk Jan Bakker, stressed the need to balance freedom of expression with responsible information sharing online.
“Governments must protect the information space without restricting legitimate speech while media and journalists verify facts and provide context, and citizens think critically and engage respectfully,” he said.
Bakker warned that misinformation and manipulation within digital spaces pose growing threats to democratic systems globally.
“In an era of rapid technological change, safeguarding information integrity means safeguarding the integrity of democracy itself,” he added.
Coalition of Media Stakeholders Backing Summit
The Pan-African Media Summit 2026 has been organised through a partnership involving the Media Council of Kenya, the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), and the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK).
Participants are expected to develop recommendations and policy proposals that could shape future media regulation, digital governance and journalism standards across Africa.
