European Commission recognizes Congress of African Journalists as growing force in Africa’s media future

The Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) has received an official response from the European Commission (EU), reaffirming the importance of independent African journalism and encouraging continued engagement between CAJ and European institutions as new opportunities for cooperation emerge.

"We encourage you to remain in contact with us and with our EU delegations in your respective countries," the EU letter noted.

Furthermore, the EU welcomes CAJ's commitment to African journalists and to communicating on EU-Africa relations.

In a letter issued today, August 4, 2026 on behalf of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen the Directorate-General for International Partnerships acknowledged the Congress of African Journalists’ proposal for collaboration and commended its commitment to strengthening African journalism and enhancing communication on EU–Africa relations. The Commission also recognized the essential role played by African journalists in promoting informed public debate, freedom of expression, and access to reliable information across the continent.

While explaining that the proposed partnership could not be established under the current framework, the European Commission encouraged CAJ to maintain close contact with EU Delegations across Africa and to participate actively in future funding and cooperation opportunities available through the Commission’s international programmes. The letter also highlighted the European Union’s growing investment in supporting the resilience, financial sustainability, and professional development of independent media, particularly through the new Partnership for Accountability, Civic Engagement and Democratic Governance (PACED) initiative focused on Sub-Saharan Africa.

For the Congress of African Journalists, the correspondence represents more than a formal exchange—it is an acknowledgment that African media institutions are increasingly becoming indispensable partners in shaping democratic dialogue, civic participation, and international understanding. As Africa’s media landscape continues to evolve, CAJ sees this recognition as encouragement to expand its continental and global engagement.

Looking ahead, CAJ is strengthening its long-term strategy to build partnerships with international institutions, universities, development organizations, media networks, and civil society across Africa and beyond. The organization aims to develop sustainable programmes in investigative journalism, digital transformation, media innovation, professional training, and cross-border reporting while promoting ethical journalism and intercultural dialogue.

Laurent SILLANO, Head of Unit, European Commission Headquarters: “The European Commission actively communicates with audiences in partner countries about our international partnerships portfolio, through both wide-ranging public campaigns and more specialised communication around key events. These activities are coordinated at HQ and at partner-country level through our network of EU Delegations: “We are grateful for your (CAJ) interest in these efforts and for the essential role that African journalists play in fostering open, informed public debate”.

Michael Ayodeji Adeboboye, Chairman, Board of Trustees, CAJ International Magazine, said: “We are encouraged by the EU’s recognition of the challenges facing African journalists today. Press freedom is not a luxury, it is the foundation of accountable government. This engagement opens a new chapter for partnership between African media and our international allies.”

The Congress also plans to deepen cooperation among journalists throughout the African continent and the diaspora through its expanding professional networks, CAJ International Magazine, thematic conferences, media forums, and collaborative editorial projects. By connecting journalists across linguistic, cultural, and regional boundaries, CAJ seeks to contribute to a stronger, more independent African media ecosystem capable of telling Africa’s stories from African perspectives.

“The future of African journalism depends on institutions that invest in knowledge, integrity, and international cooperation,” said Dr. Ashraf Aboul-Yazid Dali, Secretary-General of the Congress of African Journalists. “This correspondence encourages us to continue expanding our partnerships and to position CAJ as a trusted continental platform for professional journalism, media development, and cultural dialogue.”

Dr. George Otumu, CAJ Diasporta Chairman commenting on the letter sent today from Brussels, under the theme of Regional and Multi-Country Programmes for Africa: “It is with great delight, the Board of Trustees’ (BOT) of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) received this prestigious endorsement from the European Commission (EU) on all matters relating to media projects’ publicity in the African continent. Let it be on the record that CAJ is the only African Journalists Association today to have earned this reputable status from the European Commission by a dint of hard work, caring for African journalists’ safety in the pursuit of their media profession”.

Mr. Dela Ahiawor, CAJ West Africa Vice- President and CAJ International Magazine West Africa Bureau Editor said: "This European Union recognition is a proud moment for the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ). It shows that we are making a real impact on the landscape of African journalism today. He urged journalists across Africa to team up with CAJ to help champion press freedom and access to information.

As Africa enters a new era of digital communication and international cooperation, the Congress of African Journalists remains committed to empowering journalists, defending press freedom, encouraging responsible reporting, and creating opportunities for collaboration with global partners. The organization’s vision is to become one of Africa’s leading professional media bodies—connecting journalists, supporting excellence, and contributing to a more informed, inclusive, and democratic future for the continent.

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