> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://impact.gfmd.info/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://impact.gfmd.info/meetings/2026/gfmd-at-africa-media-festival-25-26-february.md).
# GFMD at Africa Media Festival (25–26 February)
At the Africa Media Festival, focused on the future of journalism and creative expression in Africa, Catherine Gicheru opened Day 2 with a keynote address. AI and emerging technologies again dominated the agenda, with speakers examining how they influence audience engagement and ethics — including “digital censorship” embedded in platform algorithms and terms of service.
Key themes emerging from the Festival included:
* **Redefining resilience:** Resilience means actively creating alternative systems, communities, and funding models — not just surviving censorship or financial pressure.
* **AI as a tool, not a replacement:** AI can support workflows and investigative reporting, but human ethics, judgment, and contextual understanding remain essential.
* **Owning the narrative:** African stories must be authored locally, capturing indigenous knowledge and authentic perspectives rather than filtered through external lenses.
* **Solidarity beyond borders:** Press freedom anywhere is a responsibility everywhere; sessions highlighted long-silenced independent media, including in Eritrea.
* **Sustainability and the creative economy:** Speakers called for diversified funding through private sector partnerships and philanthropy, reducing dependency on traditional donor models.
Fiona Nzingo also led an interactive workshop, “[*Beyond donors: Rethinking the funding mix for resilient media in Africa*](https://barazamedialab.zohobackstage.com/AfricaMediaFestival2026#/agenda?day=2\&lang=en\&sessionId=87889000011001311)”, in which participants mapped their real-world funding landscapes — from ODA and philanthropy to technology platforms, private sector actors, and development banks. Drawing on the [*Mapping of Media Assistance and Journalism Support Programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa*](https://gfmd.info/h-content/uploads/2026/02/Mapping-of-media-assistance-and-journalism-support-programmes-in-Sub-Saharan-Africa.pdf?x32453\&x32453) report, Nzingo reiterated [key recommendations](https://gfmd.info/briefings/mapping-of-media-assistance-and-journalism-support-programmes-in-sub-saharan-africa/) for a more sustainable media funding ecosystem:
* Greater investment in core, multi-year, and risk-tolerant funding
* Stronger regional mechanisms and more programmes led by African organisations
* Strategic alignment around digital rights, platform governance, AI, journalist safety, and sustainability
* Improved transparency and reporting from bilateral and philanthropic funders
* Integrated media support within broader governance, peacebuilding, climate, and development agendas.
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