Pan African Media Councils Delegation on Global Dialogue on Regulation of Digital Platforms
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Pan African Media Council heads are participating in a crucial high-level international dialogue on “Regulation of Digital Platforms and the Role of Independent Press Councils,” taking place from June 2-6, 2025, in Berlin and Brussels.
The dialogue, organized by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), addresses the critical need for strengthened regulation of digital platforms to mitigate the spread of misinformation. While Germany and the European Union have implemented regulatory measures such as the Network Enforcement Act and the Digital Services Act, efforts to regulate tech giants in Africa have been more limited, often due to concerns about their influence. Hence, this makes the African voice, championed by leaders like Mr. Sungura and the like-minded, particularly important.
Mr. Sungura, who is the Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) and the Chairman of the pan-African Network of Independent Press Councils (NIMCA), is leading a strong contingent of African media leaders, bringing crucial perspectives to the global conversation on combating disinformation and fake news in the digital age.
Their participation highlights strong advocacy for financial independence as a foundation for editorial integrity, a core principle of the Media Business Transformation Model. This model has been instrumental in transforming Tanzania’s media sector by promoting high-quality, competency-based, and technology-driven reporting, while also ensuring economic sustainability.
Joining Mr. Sungura from across Africa are several other esteemed delegates:
Ms. Phathiswa Magopeni from South Africa is, Executive Director of the Press Council of South Africa and a Board Director of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA). With over two decades of strategic and editorial leadership in the media sector, including roles as Editor-in-Chief for SABC News and Current Affairs, she brings extensive experience in multimedia broadcasting.
Mr. Kennedy K. Mambwe from Zambia, Chairperson of the Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia (MSCZ) and CEO of KBN TV. His career spans media, journalism, public relations, corporate communications, and digital transformation.
Mr. Loughty Dube from Zimbabwe is, Executive Director of the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ). A senior media practitioner with over 15 years of experience, he has contributed to leading Zimbabwean newspapers and has held leadership roles in anti-corruption movements and press councils.
Dr. Sisanda Nkoala from South Africa, a Member of the Press Council of South Africa’s Legal and Regulatory Board. An NRF-rated Associate Professor in Linguistics, she is a former award-winning journalist whose research focuses on media, rhetoric, and multilingualism.
Mr. David Omwoyo from Kenya is, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK). Recognized as a “Top 40 Under 40” winner in 2021, his career spans media, civil society, education, and public sector leadership.
Mr. George Sarpong from Ghana is, Chief Executive Officer of the National Media Commission. He oversees media regulation in Ghana and has a long history in human rights and democracy advocacy.
Dr. John Nakuta from Namibia, the Media Ombudsman of Namibia. A social justice scholar specializing in human rights law and administrative justice, his research covers justice, human rights, governance, and the rule of law.
The collective expertise of these African leaders, particularly with Mr. Sungura at the helm of NIMCA, underscores the continent’s growing determination to develop balanced and effective self-regulatory frameworks for the media, ensuring both freedom of expression and responsible journalism in the face of evolving digital challenges. Their participation is crucial in shaping global standards that also consider the unique contexts and needs of African nations.
The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Media Programme Sub-Saharan Africa supported the establishment of the pan-African Network of Independent Press Councils (NIMCA) last year, an initiative which provides a solid foundation for such dialogues. Mr. Sungura’s presence also emphasizes Tanzania’s active role in shaping the future of media regulation and integrity both regionally and globally.