African Journalism Stands Up: Editors Demand AI Revenue Share

In a significant move that signals a turning point for media on the continent, Africa’s most senior media executives recently concluded a powerful two-day working congress in Nairobi, Kenya. Their unified message? African newsrooms demand fair and just compensation from global technology companies, particularly those leveraging Artificial Intelligence, who profit extensively from African journalism without adequately paying for the valuable content they use.

Convened by The African Editors Forum (TAEF), the Africa Editors Congress (AEC) 2026 served as a crucial platform for leaders to address one of the most pressing issues facing the media industry today: the ethics and economics of content usage by AI and other tech giants. The consensus was clear and firm: the era of free content exploitation is over.

This demand underscores a growing global sentiment that original content creators, the bedrock of informed societies, must be compensated fairly when their work is ingested, processed, and monetized by powerful technological entities. For African journalism, which often operates under unique challenges, securing this revenue share is not just about profit; it’s about sustainability, quality, and the continued ability to serve communities with vital news and information.

The stand taken at the Nairobi Congress is a powerful reminder that journalism, in all its forms, is a resource that requires investment and respect. It sets a precedent, urging tech companies to engage in equitable partnerships with news organizations worldwide, starting right here in Africa. The future of independent, high-quality African journalism may well depend on the success of these crucial negotiations.

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