Kenya hosts a pivotal workshop as African journalists chart a shared path for a just transition
From December 18 to 20, 2025, a cadre of African journalists gathered in Kenya for a landmark workshop focused on defining continental priorities for a just transition. The event brought reporters, editors, and media trainers from across the continent together to scrutinize how climate change is already reshaping work, livelihoods, food security, and public health—and to craft a unified information strategy that can guide policy and public understanding.
Framing the just transition within Africa’s unique context
The workshop opened with a rigorous exploration of what a just transition means for Africa. Participants emphasized that climate action cannot be detached from social equity: job creation must align with skills development, vulnerable communities must be protected, and adaptation finance should reach grassroots projects. Attendees discussed governance, transparency, and accountability as essential components of credible reporting, insisting that media coverage reflect both opportunities and risks in the shift toward cleaner energy and resilient economies.
Key themes: jobs, livelihoods, and public health
Panel sessions and working groups zeroed in on four interconnected areas where climate change is already evident:
– Jobs and livelihoods: As decarbonization accelerates, the narrative around green jobs should be accurate and hopeful, highlighting new opportunities while also acknowledging disruption in traditional sectors. Journalists explored how training programs, apprenticeships, and local enterprises can be showcased to illustrate real pathways forward.
– Food security: With shifting rainfall patterns and extreme weather, reporting increasingly centers on sustainable farming practices, market access, and farmer resilience. The aim is to translate complex climate data into relatable news that helps households plan for the seasons ahead.
– Public health: From heat stress to vector-borne diseases, the health dimension of climate risk demands precise, evidence-based coverage. The workshop stressed the importance of linking environmental reporting with health data to inform policy and personal choices.
– Energy access and infrastructure: The transition depends on reliable power, affordable grids, and transparent investment flows. Journalists discussed how to report on energy projects, subsidies, and the social implications of infrastructure development for rural and urban communities alike.
Building a continental information agenda
One of the workshop’s core objectives was to shape a shared information agenda that can be adopted across national borders. Participants outlined practical steps, including:
– Developing cross-border media collaborations to track climate finance and project outcomes.
– Producing comparative reporting on climate resilience indicators to benchmark progress across countries.
– Creating a network of fact-checkers and data journalists to verify claims around emissions targets, policy measures, and health impacts.
– Prioritizing language that resonates with diverse audiences, ensuring that science is accessible without oversimplification.
Strategies for stronger media accountability and public trust
Beyond content, the workshop emphasized how journalism can contribute to governance and accountability. Attendees debated ways to demand transparency from governments and developers, while maintaining fairness and avoiding alarmist narratives. Training modules discussed ethical reporting, the responsible use of models and projections, and the ethical considerations when covering climate-induced displacement and economic disruption.
Looking ahead: turning dialogue into action
Participants left Kenya with a clear mandate to translate insights into concrete reporting plans, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative projects that span the continent. By aligning on a shared set of priorities—emphasizing just transition, robust information, and inclusive storytelling—African journalists aim to empower communities, inform policy, and encourage evidence-based decision-making across borders.
Conclusion
The December workshop in Kenya underscored a growing consensus: Africa’s path to a sustainable, equitable transition hinges on credible information, skilled reporting, and cross-country collaboration. As journalists continue to monitor climate risks and policy responses, their work will be essential in shaping public understanding and accelerating action toward a resilient, just future for the continent.
