African economies cannot afford to let public interest media die
Now is the time for coordinated investment in public interest media as an essential part of Africa's economic future.
Public interest media, such as journalism, are crucial to Africa's economic infrastructure. While discussions often focus on physical infrastructure like roads and energy networks, the information provided by media is just as vital for market growth. The African Continental Free Trade Area presents a $3.4 trillion opportunity, but the media infrastructure supporting this potential is often overlooked and even suppressed in some regions. Neglecting media can hinder Africa's growth.
Press scrutiny is essential in Africa, where it's estimated the continent loses around $90 billion annually to illicit financial flows. For instance, South Africa's Daily Maverick exposed state capture and traced $3 billion in lost public funds, showcasing the power of journalism to hold power accountable. Yet, declining press freedom correlates with reduced real GDP growth, as media scrutiny is weakened.
Media organizations face challenges due to shifting revenue models, technology disruptions, and changing consumer behaviors. In 2025, a $150 million funding gap in journalism occurred globally, disproportionately affecting African outlets. In Mali, an editor was jailed for criticizing cybercrime law enforcement against another journalist, demonstrating the direct impact of anti-corruption reporting.
Despite these challenges, targeted investment can bolster media resilience. For example, flexible funding provided by the International Fund for Public Interest Media has expanded outlet reach, increased audience engagement, and improved profit margins across sub-Saharan Africa. The return on investment for media is significant, with every dollar spent potentially yielding over $100 in public savings from recovered funds and reduced corruption.
However, support must shift from short-term, fragmented funding to long-term, coordinated investment. This requires collaboration from philanthropy, businesses, and public institutions to create a robust media ecosystem deserving of investment as much as physical infrastructure like energy grids and transportation networks.
Written by urgent.news from Africa Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
