African Voices Changed the World
2026-05-25
This Africa Day, the NMT Media Foundation celebrates the journalists, editors, media leaders and citizens whose ideas continue to shape Africa's democratic future.
Thirty-five years ago, African media practitioners gathered in Windhoek, Namibia, and produced the Windhoek Declaration, a landmark African contribution that helped establish global principles for free, independent and pluralistic media. The declaration demonstrated that African solutions, grounded in African realities and aspirations, can influence global policy and advance democratic values worldwide.
Today, the principles of the Windhoek Declaration remain as relevant as ever. Across Africa, citizens are increasingly connected through digital technologies that offer new opportunities for participation, innovation and access to information. At the same time, these technologies raise important questions about rights, inclusion, safety, media viability and democratic accountability.
As Africa advances the ambitions of Agenda 2063 and implements commitments contained in the African Union's Digital Compact and related frameworks, access to trusted information, independent journalism and meaningful civic participation remain essential foundations for sustainable development, democratic governance and social justice.
The Windhoek+30 Declaration reaffirmed that information is a public good and called for renewed action to strengthen media freedom, ensure the sustainability of independent journalism and promote inclusive digital societies. These priorities remain central to building an Africa where every person can participate fully in shaping their future.
On this Africa Day, we celebrate African leadership, African innovation and African voices. We honour those who helped establish the foundations of media freedom on our continent, and we recognise the journalists, editors, media innovators and citizens who continue that work today.
Africa's voice matters.
Africa's ideas matter.
Africa's future matters.
Happy Africa Day 2026.
Zoé Titus
Executive Director
Email: info@nmt.africa