Sharon Kavhu
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Dr Christian Ayiku, a member of the Board of Trustees of the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD), has emphasized the crucial role played by the media in advancing Africa’s position on reparative justice.
In alignment with the African Union (AU)’s 2025 theme, which calls for justice for Africans and people of African descent who have long endured various forms of injustice, including economic exploitation and political interference, Dr Ayiku underscored the significance of media empowerment in shaping this narrative.
Speaking at the 5th edition of the AFROMEDI V training programme for journalists, Dr Ayiku remarked that the initiative would equip journalists with the necessary skills to effectively cover reparations and related issues such as public debt, taxation, trade, labour, climate finance, and legal aspects of debt. Dr Ayiku stressed that journalists would be trained to link reparations to broader global development processes, offering in-depth reporting that promotes Africa’s stance on reparative justice.
“The 2025 AU theme demands justice for Africans and people of African descent who have struggled through various forms of injustice, notably the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, economic exploitation, and political interference, among others. Through AfroMEDI V, journalists will be capacitated to link reparations to global development processes and to prioritize in-depth reporting on reparative justice,” Dr Ayiku explained.
Challenges faced by African journalists
The AFROMEDI training initiative is addressing several key challenges faced by African journalists in reporting on debt and reparations. These challenges include difficulties in understanding complex debt information, limited access to essential information, and struggles to humanize technical data in a way that resonates with their audiences. Furthermore, journalists often face constraints when reporting on sensitive issues such as transparency, accountability, and governance, especially in politically charged environments during election cycles.
“The media plays a significant role in influencing public discourse and policy decisions,” Dr Ayiku added. “For Africa to take control of its narrative and influence global policies, journalists must be equipped with the tools to report responsibly on reparations, debt justice, and other socio-economic issues affecting the continent,” Dr Ayiku said.
Africa’s debt crisis and the reparations agenda
Africa’s ongoing sovereign debt crisis presents a daunting challenge, as countries across the continent face mounting debt burdens that threaten to undo years of hard-won development. Nations such as Sudan, Zambia, Ghana, and Zimbabwe are grappling with severe debt crises, which have led to austerity measures, social unrest, and widespread dissatisfaction among citizens. In some cases, the debt burden has sparked violent protests, as seen in Kenya and Nigeria in 2024.
The roots of Africa’s debt problems can be traced to its colonial past. European powers left African nations with not only political independence but also heavy economic burdens in the form of odious debts inherited from colonial powers. These debts have perpetuated economic dependency, hindering the continent’s growth and development.
Dr Ayiku highlighted that the reparations agenda outlined in the AU’s 2025 theme is an essential step in addressing historical injustices and contemporary issues, including systemic racism, economic exclusion, and Africa’s marginalisation in global decision-making.
Empowering journalists for change
AFROMEDI V seeks to empower African journalists by offering specialized training that covers a range of topics, from humanizing technical debt information to offering policy solutions. The training will also provide historical context for the injustices of the past, making it easier for journalists to weave compelling narratives that resonate with their audiences.
The initiative is not only timely but also strategic, as it coincides with global campaigns such as Financing for Development, South Africa’s presidency of the G20, and the feminist debt justice movement. Dr Ayiku noted that 2025 is a critical moment for Africa to push for reparative justice on the global stage and urged journalists to use this opportunity to raise awareness about Africa’s debt issues.
More from Africa News 24
AFRODAD Media Initiative kicks off in Johannesburg amid calls for debt reform
Programme objectives and expected outcomes
The main objectives of this year’s AFROMEDI program are to: Empower journalists to link reparations to global development processes, enhancing their ability to influence reporting; Raise awareness about the need for reform in global financial institutions; Guide journalists in covering key moments such as the 2025 elections, where debt and reparations are likely to be significant issues; and provide a platform for continued engagement beyond the training program.
As a result of the training, Dr Ayiku indicated that AFROMEDI V is expected to: increased reporting on debt and reparative justice issues, with a focus on policy reforms that would benefit Africa; a stronger focus on debt issues in the 2025 election debates, manifestos, and interviews; as well as expanded membership in the M-DNA, a network of journalists committed to advancing the agenda for debt justice.
In the midst of Africa’s battle against debt crisis, the media is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s response to historical and contemporary injustices. Through AFROMEDI V, journalists are being empowered to not only inform the public but also influence policy decisions that could lead to lasting change. With reparative justice on the horizon, Africa’s media landscape is taking an active role in driving the conversation forward and ensuring that the continent’s voices are heard on the global stage.
