The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), the Pan-African arm of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and supported by the governments of the United Kingdom and Sweden through the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) and Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP) held a three –day continental conference on “ Communicating Labour Migration and Mobility: Capacity Building for media Professional in Africa” from January 15 – 17, in the Rwandan capital, Kigali.
Group photo of the participants at the Continental Conference
The Continental Conference brought together journalists, trade unionists and migration experts from across Africa to explore one of the continent’s most critical socio-economic issues – labour migration. The Conference was held to equip journalists with the tools to report ethically and effectively, ensuring the voices of migrant workers are amplified and their stories told with dignity and truth.
The President of the Federation of African Journalists, President Omar Faruk Osman described the workshop as a turning point for advancing public interest journalism. He said, “This activity demonstrated the undeniable power of ethical and informed journalism in addressing the struggles of African migrant workers. Together, we’ve laid the foundation for a future where these stories are told with empathy, integrity and accountability.”
ILO Project Manager of the Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP), Ephrem Getnet, emphasised the vital role of the media in shaping narratives on migration, stating: “Your role as a media professional becomes indispensable. Through accurate, balanced and gender-sensitive reporting, you have the power to change these narratives. You have the power to amplify the voices of migrant workers, highlight their contributions and hold policymakers accountable for ensuring their rights and well-being.”
Reflecting on the influence of the media, Ephrem Getnet added: “As media professionals, you are not just observers; you are agents of change. By reporting on the experiences of migrant workers – both their positive contributions and the challenges they face – you can influence public opinion, policy and practice. You can help shift the narrative from one of fear and hostility to one of empathy, solidarity and human rights.”
Over the three days, participants tackled a wide range of topics, including ethical reporting on labour migration, gender-sensitive journalism and investigating the exploitation faced by African migrant workers, particularly in the Gulf. Deliberations also focused on countering misinformation and disinformation, teaching journalists how to use data and storytelling to promote more balanced narratives, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the contributions migrant workers make to African societies and reframing migration as a vital part of the continent’s story.
The Continental Conference, which had the backing of African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), also took a major step forward by operationalising the Dakar Communiqué, a framework created in partnership with the African Union Commission and the International Organization for Migration under the JLMP. The communiqué sets out clear actions to reshape how Africa approaches labour migration, transforming broad commitments into tangible, impactful work.
A significant outcome of the Conference was the strengthening of the Africa Labour Migration Journalism Network, which provides a platform for collaboration among journalists and trade unions to advocate for migrant workers’ rights and foster informed discussions. The Conference also highlighted the need for collaboration between the African Trade Union Migration Network (ATUMNET) which is spearheaded by ITUC- Africa and the Africa Labour Migration Journalism Network.
Attention was also drawn to the abuse of African migrant workers in the Gulf countries. With Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 World Cup, participants highlighted the urgent need for the protection of migrant workers. They emphasised the importance of accurate and compassionate reporting that not only holds those in power accountable but also ensures that the voices of affected workers are heard. “Our job as journalists is to expose the truth and fight for dignity and fairness for every worker.
The Continental Conference, which was hosted by the Association of Rwandan Journalists (ARJ), further demonstrated FAJ’s commitment to public interest journalism and its belief in the power of storytelling to drive change. By giving journalists and their unions the skills to report with integrity and providing a platform for collaboration, FAJ is helping to shape a more equitable and informed narrative on labour migration in Africa.
For more Information, please contact the IFJ – Africa Office
1st Floor, Maison de la Presse, 5 Rue X Corniche, Medina,
BP 64257, Dakar, Senegal
Tel: +221- 33 867 95 86/87; Fax: +221- 33 827 02
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