On February 25–26, 2026, the Africa Media Festival (AMF) returns to Nairobi, bringing to the Kenyan capital, the continent’s most influential media minds. It is organized by Baraza Media Lab.
Under the banner Resilient Storytelling: Reimagining Media Freedom, AMF 2026 is less about observing the status quo and more about disrupting it. The event aims to provide a roadmap for media independence in an era where the creator economy is booming, but traditional newsrooms are under siege.
“AMF is not a ceremonial conference,” says Martie Mtange, Curator at Baraza Media Lab. “It is a space where Africa’s media leaders come together to confront hard truths, test ideas, and co-create solutions that can sustain journalism for the next generation.”
A major highlight of this year’s gathering is the Africa Media Awards (AMA). The 2026 edition introduces the “Creator for Good Award.” This new category recognizes that the future of African narrative isn’t just in the hands of traditional reporters, but also digital creators who leverage their platforms for social impact.
The AMA is a powerhouse partnership between Baraza Media Lab, The Africa Editors Forum, and Journalists for Human Rights. Together, they aim to honor the courage of those who challenge power and defend human rights across the continent.
Following a massive 2025 turnout that drew participants from 26 countries, the 2026 festival is set to host over 300 delegates and a formidable lineup of speakers, including:
- Will Church: Director of Media Freedom, Thomson Reuters (UK)
- Joy Lusige: Video Journalist and Producer, ZDF German TV (Kenya)
- Francesca Ekondaho: Program Coordinator, Pulitzer Center (Rwanda)
- Anita Eboigbe: COO, Big Cabal Media (Nigeria)
- Dr. Zippy Okoth: Chair of Media Studies at KCA University and award-winning producer
Since its inception in 2019, Baraza Media Lab has acted as the heartbeat of Kenya’s creative and journalistic ecosystem.