Namibia: 'African Journalists Earn Below Basic Living Needs'

A recent survey by the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) has revealed that 61% of journalists in Africa earn below the minimum needed for basic living, highlighting significant economic insecurity in the profession. The 2026 report, conducted with UNESCO's support, surveyed 1,586 journalists across 45 African countries, revealing widespread issues such as delayed salaries, lack of written contracts, inadequate social protection, and non-payment.

Additionally, 71% of respondents reported insufficient social protection, with only 4% feeling their salaries covered essential living costs. The report warns that poor working conditions threaten editorial independence, investigative reporting, and public accountability, with many journalists working despite months of unpaid wages, relying on side jobs or external support to survive.

Moreover, the survey found that 41% of journalists faced non-payment, 63% experienced editorial interference, and 57% encountered pressure to alter their stories, with intimidation and political pressure cited as major threats to media freedom.

Brief written by urgent.news from AllAfrica's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.