"The African media sector embodies both remarkable potential and persistent fragility. Across the continent, journalists and media organizations continue to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and commitment to public interest reporting, and often in environments marked by political interference, economic uncertainty, and personal risk. Technological change, particularly the rise of mobile and social media, is transforming how information is produced and consumed, offering unprecedented opportunities for wider reach, audience engagement, and civic participation. However, these opportunities remain unevenly distributed. Structural barriers — ranging from restrictive laws and weak regulatory independence to the digital divide and financial precarity — limit the ability of media to operate freely, sustainably, and inclusively. Safety concerns, especially for journalists in conflict-affected areas and for women in the profession, further constrain the sector’s capacity to fulfill its democratic role.
The findings of this report underscore that strengthening media ecosystems across French-speaking African countries will require coordinated and sustained efforts by governments, civil society, donors, and the media sector itself. Legal reforms, targeted investment in financial sustainability, inclusive digital transformation, journalist protection mechanisms, and enhanced professional capacity are all essential components of this effort. With a growing youth population, expanding connectivity, and a rich tradition of storytelling, media in French-language regions of Africa holds the potential to be a driving force for transparency, accountability, social cohesion, and sustainable development. Realizing this potential depends on turning the OECD’s six principles for effective media development into concrete, context-driven actions, ensuring that media across French-speaking African countries not only survives but thrives as a cornerstone of democratic societies." (Conclusions and key recommendations, page 22)