Government has urged the media industry to evolve and respond to technological change in order to promote a free, responsible and credible media that the public can trust.
Mr. Mweetwa cautioned that emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, fake news, and misinformation, pose challenges that require swift, coordinated action.
Mr. Mweetwa said this in a speech read on his behalf by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe, during the
African Media Councils Conference in Lusaka today.
Zambia is hosting media regulators, Journalists, and stakeholders from across Africa, at the two-day conference, which is focusing on regulatory, financial, and digital challenges affecting the continent’s media sector.
The Minister emphasized the crucial role of the media in democracy, citing the Zambian Constitution, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to press freedom, which is best protected through professional self-regulation rather than state intervention.
“Our government believes in the freedom of the press and we always encourage journalism that is objective, ethical and professional,” Mr. Mweetwa stressed. It is for this reason that we supported the formation of a media self-regulatory mechanism — one that empowers members of the public to hold the media accountable.”
He cited the establishment of the Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia (MSCZ) in January 2023, officially launched in April the same year.
Mr. Mweetwa urged delegates to use the conference, themed; Media Councils: A Solidarity-Based Approach to Regulatory, Financial and Digital Challenges,” as a platform to collaborate and develop unified strategies.
“I urge this gathering — bringing together media experts from across the continent and beyond — to deliberate, collaborate, and establish a unified approach to the media challenges facing Africa,” he remarked.
At the same event, MSCZ Chairperson, Kennedy Mambwe said the gathering provides a space for honest conversations on building stronger alliances and developing collective strategies that can help media councils not just cope but endure, adapt and thrive.
Mr. Mambwe highlighted the growing pressures on media councils across the continent, citing financial instability, tightening regulatory environments, and the rapid shift to digital platforms.
“Here in Zambia, we are faced with an alarming proliferation of fake news, AI-generated images, and fake documents aimed at spreading falsehoods and misinformation,” he said. “Both Journalists and media councils must respond swiftly.”
Mr. Mambwe also acknowledged the support of international partners including BBC Media Action, SIDA, FCDO, and the European Union delegation, as well as the dedication of local media organisations.
The two-day conference is running from 17th to 18th March, 2026 in Lusaka, where delegates will share expertise and explore collaborative approaches to strengthen media self-regulation across the continent.
