Africa Conference on Development Journalism (ACDJ)
A Pan-African Forum Elevating Journalism for Development
Across the African continent, the media landscape continues to evolve in response to shifting political, economic, and social realities. Yet amid this evolution, a vital form of journalism—Development Journalism—remains underutilized and misunderstood. Unlike routine political reporting, development journalism shines a spotlight on the core issues affecting people’s lives: healthcare, education, agriculture, gender equity, infrastructure, climate, and other human development concerns. It not only informs, but interrogates progress, and in doing so, becomes a crucial driver of accountability and inclusive growth.
Unfortunately, development journalism faces significant barriers. Many newsrooms are dominated by profit-driven motives, heavily influenced by political interests, and constrained by dwindling editorial independence. In such environments, stories that could inspire development, drive citizen participation, or challenge the misuse of public resources are often deprioritized. Furthermore, many journalists lack exposure to the theoretical and practical tools required to approach development issues with depth and context—leaving a gaping hole in how stories of progress, inequality, and innovation are reported.
In response to these challenges, the Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) launched the MediaAfrica Conference in 2017, which evolved into the Africa Conference on Development Journalism (ACDJ) in 2019. This rebranding marked a clearer focus on building a continental platform where journalists and scholars could explore and expand the practice of development journalism. Unlike short-term capacity-building workshops, ACDJ provides a sustained intellectual and professional platform rooted in African realities and designed to elevate the journalism profession.
Held annually in Kaduna, Nigeria, the conference brings together media professionals, researchers, civil society actors, and policy influencers to interrogate emerging trends, exchange ideas, and forge collaborations. It is also a space to celebrate journalism’s role in development through the AMDF Media Awards, including the prestigious AMDF Journalist of the Year Award.
Purpose and Structure of the Conference
ACDJ is designed to offer a rich blend of academic insight and professional experience, with a focus on practical takeaways for improving development journalism across Africa. Each edition of the conference is built around a specific theme aligned with AMDF’s strategic vision and current media development trends. The themes are chosen by AMDF, while the subtopics and programme structure are developed in collaboration with a dedicated Planning Committee, consisting of journalists, academics, CSO leaders, and other professionals.
ACDJ offers diverse session formats that cater to various interests and engagement styles:
- Plenary Sessions – General sessions featuring keynote addresses, media award presentations, and expert panels.
- Symposiums – Short, insightful talks from professionals and researchers sharing recent findings or thought leadership on development topics.
- Workshops – Hands-on sessions offering practical tools and techniques for journalists.
- Seminars – Educational discussions aimed at building knowledge around specific aspects of journalism or development.
- Roundtables – Intimate, issue-focused discussions with a limited number of participants, usually seated in a semi-circle or linear format.
- Poster Sessions – Visual presentations of peer-reviewed research where presenters explain their findings to participants.
- Side Events – Organized by AMDF partners, these events allow for networking, technical sessions, and thematic engagements outside core conference hours.
The event is also a networking hub, offering participants the opportunity to meet vendors, connect with like-minded professionals, and engage with organisations shaping Africa’s media development ecosystem.
Conference Themes Over the Years
Since its inception, ACDJ (formerly MediaAfrica Conference) has addressed pressing issues affecting journalism and development in Africa. Past conference themes include:
- 2017 — Role of Media in Curbing Maternal Death (12th December)
- 2018 — Africa’s Rising Population: Media as a Tool for Harnessing Demographic Dividend (11th December)
- 2019 — Advancing Development Journalism Towards Attaining Sustainable Development Goals: Inspire. Innovate. Evolve. (10th – 12th December)
- 2020 — Emerging Technologies and Future of Development Journalism (17th – 19th November, via Zoom)
- 2021 — Journalism and Development: Changing Media, Changing Audience (7th December, via Zoom)
- 2022 — Journalism in a Changing World: Reinventing the Wheel, Realigning the Building Blocks (29th November – 1st December)
- 2023 — Sustainable Development: Media As A Catalyst (6th – 7th December)
- 2024 — Beyond Borders: Innovations and Solutions for the Future of Development Journalism (4th – 5th December)
A Platform for Recognition: AMDF Media Awards
A key feature of the ACDJ is the presentation of the AMDF Media Awards, particularly the AMDF Journalist of the Year Award and the AMDF Lifetime Achievement Award for Journalistic Excellence. The AMDF Journalist of the Year Award celebrates outstanding journalistic work that demonstrates excellence in reporting, ethical rigor, and commitment to development-focused storytelling, while the AMDF Lifetime Achievement Award for Journalistic Excellence is presented to veteran journalists whose careers have made a significant, impactful, and lasting contribution to the field of journalism, particularly development journalism in Africa
The AMDF Journalist of the Year Awardees are selected following a rigorous internal and external review process based on submitted works.
Looking Ahead
ACDJ is poised to become the premier annual forum for development journalism in Africa. By creating a vibrant intellectual space, nurturing emerging talent, and connecting like-minded professionals, the conference supports AMDF’s larger mission to strengthen media as a tool for sustainable development and democratic growth across the continent.
Whether you’re a practicing journalist, a scholar, a development communicator, or a student, ACDJ offers an unparalleled opportunity to deepen your knowledge, expand your network, and contribute to shaping the future of journalism in Africa.