Reflections from the African Investigative Journalism Conference 2025

In early November, the halls of Wits University buzzed with energy as the African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC) unfolded. For IMS, participation in this gathering was more than just about attendance; it was a mission of discovery, connection and reflection. Over three days, from 5 to 7 November, networks were forged with media groups from across the continent and beyond, while lessons were drawn from ongoing investigative journalism (IJ) and related media programmes. 
 
Though IJ was the central theme, the conference branched into fascinating media areas: sessions on the safety of journalists, the intersection of IJ and climate change and the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping the media. IMS partners such as the Centre for Technology and Innovation (CITE), Community Podium and Media-20 conveners, including the South Africa National Editors Forum and Media Monitoring Africa, brought their voices to the stage. CITE and MISA-Malawi made interesting presentations, showcasing digital platforms and the innovative use of TikTok as a storytelling tool. 
 
Media Sustainability: A Struggle for Tomorrow 
One of the most sobering sessions focused on media sustainability. Presenters painted a stark picture: survival has become the “new normal” as financial constraints weigh heavily on media houses. Yet, the conversation was not about despair; it was about solutions. The call was clear: journalism must evolve to meet community needs, connect isolated efforts and co-create with partners. Mauritius-based Media consultant Khalil A Cassimally led the discussion calling on media to acquire new audiences, engage more and retain loyalty.  

The challenge, however, is complex. Too often, interventions are ad hoc, short term and lack the structures needed to drive transformation. Media houses and advocacy organisations were urged to embrace systematic fundraising, track potential funding streams and focus on the “happy middle” – donors who are both willing and able to support. Sustainability, the session concluded, is not just about keeping afloat; it is about demonstrating journalism’s value to communities and proving its impact. 
 
TikTok Journalism: A New Frontier 
The rise of TikTok journalism was another highlight. With audiences shifting from traditional outlets to social media, TikTok has become a powerful platform for repackaging stories into short, engaging videos. Journalists were encouraged to post consistently, at least once a week, and to track feedback, respond to comments and build relationships with audiences. 
 
Global analysis revealed that Gen Z prefers platforms that foster engagement and kinship rather than top-down communication. Yet TikTok journalism is not without its shadows: biased algorithms, censorship and toxic comments remain pressing concerns. Still, the potential for storytelling that resonates with younger audiences is undeniable. 
 
Cross-Border Collaboration: Stories Without Borders 
The conference also spotlighted the power of collaboration across borders. Danwatch and Zitamar, a Mozambique-based IJ platform, shared their joint investigation into environmental pollution caused by a coal company with ties to Denmark. Their work led to the Danish partner withdrawing from the project, proving that cross-border journalism can pressure global actors to uphold environmental standards. 
 
Collaboration, they argued, maximises impact, credibility and safety. For African journalists vulnerable to threats, arrests or attacks, having stories reported internationally can be a shield. Transparency, respect for independence and clear communication are essential to these partnerships, which can also benefit from diverse funding streams. 
 
The media outlet Oxpeckers added another gripping tale: a cross-border investigation into lithium smuggling from Zimbabwe to South Africa and onward to China. Despite Zimbabwe’s rich lithium reserves, South Africa’s exports appeared disproportionately high, exposing organised crime, money laundering and corruption in Zimbabwe’s mining sector. South African and Zimbabwean journalists worked hand-in-hand, sharing resources and travel funds to uncover the truth. 
 
Investigative Journalism in the Age of AI 
The future of IJ was brought into sharp focus by Ghanaian investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw. He warned that while secret recordings once empowered investigations, new digital threats loom large. Governments and police can now access metadata, exposing sources and collaborators, and can possibly hack and edit online content. To counter this, journalists must practice what Anas called “digital hygiene”: stripping metadata; using encryption, VPNs and secure wipes; and rotating digital identities.  
 
Safety, he argued, has gone digital. Surveillance of organisations under investigation is now essential, as journalists risk being identified, hacked or putt their sources in danger. In this new age, investigative journalism must adapt, balancing opportunities with the ever-growing threats posed by artificial intelligence. Regardless, AI is becoming an important tool enabling efficient research and drafting of news stories. Platforms such as NewsAssist AI are but one example of AI tools tailor-made for journalism.