Wezie Nyirongo, Head of News Capital Radio Malawi at the AIJC
By Nomazulu Moyo
The African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC) 2025 delivered a decisive message this year: despite shrinking newsrooms, rising repression, and the digital chaos reshaping public information, Africa’s investigative journalists remain determined, organised, and increasingly collaborative.
Held from 5 to 7 November at Wits University in Johannesburg, the AIJC brought together more than 450 delegates from 50 countries for three days of intensive workshops, data sessions, panel debates, and reporting clinics. With over 65 sessions, this year’s edition was widely regarded as one of the most robust and sharply curated in the event’s 21-year history.
AIJC convener Beauregard Tromp said the program was designed to push the sector out of its comfort zones. “We were deliberate this year,” he said. “The goal was not only to gather the best investigative reporters but also to bring in people and organisations working alongside journalism—technologists, civic actors, and researchers. That mix is where innovation comes from.”
A Keynote that Challenged the Room
The AIJC opened with a powerful keynote address by former ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, who placed ethical leadership, youth empowerment, and a resilient press at the heart of Africa’s democratic future.
“When journalists expose injustice, they are not simply documenting events—they are shaping the direction of history,” she said. “But they must also illuminate solutions and the people overcoming adversity.”
Her remarks set the tone for a gathering that balanced criticism with constructive thinking and the practical realities of reporting under pressure.
Awards Night Reveals the Top Five—And a Clear Winner
The highlight of the AIJC came on 6 November, when the African Investigative Journalist of the Year (AIJY) Award announced its top entries after receiving a record number of submissions.
The Top Five Finalists for 2025 were:
- Mustapha K. Darboe—The assets of former Gambian dictator go for a song
- Dewald van Rensburg — Scam Empire
- Salma Abdelaziz Bashir—From under fire to under the guillotine
- Seth Bokpe—Forest Invasion
- Dewald van Rensburg — City of Gold
In a rare occurrence, Dewald van Rensburg appeared on the list twice, reflecting the depth of his reporting on financial crime and South Africa’s gold underworld. When he was announced as the overall winner, the room erupted in applause.
The award—run by the Wits Centre for Journalism and supported by Absa Group Africa—is now in its third year and recognizes investigative stories that expose wrongdoing, hold leaders accountable, and serve the public interest.
Fraymedia Foundation Fellows: Strengthening the Next Generation
A defining feature of AIJC 2025 was the visibility and participation of the Fraymedia Foundation Fellows, a cohort selected for their potential to shape the continent’s investigative journalism landscape.
The 2025 Fellows were:
1. Lisabeal Nqamqhele – Editor, Habari Media
2. Marcia Moyana – Freelance Journalist, Curriculum News
3. Nonhlanhla “MamakaChild” Sithole – TV News Producer, SABC
4. Dianah Chiyangwa – Journalist, Oxpeckers
5. Nomazulu Moyo – Freelance Journalist, Financial Mail & Joburg Times
6. Tunicia Phillips – Senior Journalist, Internews
7. Hlakaniphile Precious Vilakazi – Intern Journalist, Henry Nxumalo Foundation
8. Amogelang Nukeri – Journalism Student, TUT
9. Tumelo Motaung – Broadcaster, SBAH Radio
10. Bongiwe Tutu – Operations Manager, Fraymedia Foundation
Their involvement was more than ceremonial. Fellows were active in sessions, questioned panellists robustly and engaged on issues ranging from safety to storytelling ethics.
SABC producer Nonhlanhla Sithole described the fellowship as transformative: “If it weren’t for FrayMedia, I wouldn’t be here. This space rebuilt my confidence. They must continue uplifting women in media.”
Voices from Across the Continent: Realities, Fears and Hope
AIJC 2025 was characterised by its honesty. Delegates spoke openly about institutional failures, news fatigue, resource constraints and the emotional cost of the work.
Malawi: Women Pushing into Investigative Roles
For Wezie Nyirongo, Head of News at Capital Radio Malawi, the AIJC was a crucial reminder that women remain under-represented in investigative reporting. “At the awards, the top three were all men,” she noted. **“It shows we need more support and more opportunities. But this week proved women can lead in this space if properly backed.” She said the exposure changed how she understands the investigative beat, showing that impactful work extends beyond corruption to social accountability.
OCCRP: A Culture of Transparency
OCCRP journalist Ekaterina Selivanova, who attended for the second time, said AIJC’s value lies in the level of openness among participants. “People here don’t polish their stories. They share failures, missteps, and things they still don’t know how to solve. That honesty is rare globally, and it’s what keeps me returning.”
South Africa: Young Voices Entering the Field
Cape Town documentarian Luke Swanepoel said the experience fundamentally changed his understanding of investigative journalism. “I expected formal lectures,” he said. “Instead, I found people with decades of experience speaking plainly, arguing, disagreeing — it felt alive. You don’t get this kind of exposure anywhere else.”
A Sector Under Pressure — But Still Moving Forward
Across discussions, a consistent theme emerged: African investigative journalism is evolving under strain. Reporters face shrinking budgets, sophisticated disinformation campaigns, hostile states, and online harassment. Yet the community remains committed to collaborations, cross-border projects, safety innovation, and data-driven reporting.
The presence of younger journalists — including the Fraymedia Fellows — signalled that the pipeline is not only alive but strengthening. By the close of the AIJC, the sense of collective momentum was unmistakable. Delegates left with contacts, fresh leads, new tools and a shared understanding that the work is too important to slow down. As one participant commented as they left the venue on the final day: “If this is what the next generation looks like, Africa’s journalism future is far brighter than its present.”
