Many of Africa’s major newspapers and print publications emerged during the colonial era. A significant number were established by colonial administrations, missionaries and European settlers, and largely reflected their interests and perspectives on events across the continent.
As African countries gained independence, many newsrooms came under local ownership and control. Nevertheless, much of the international news agenda continues to be shaped by foreign news agencies. As a result, events in Africa are often reported through an outsider’s perspective.
The internet has given African journalists and writers new opportunities to reach global audiences directly, but it has also increased the influence of global digital platforms. Professor Lumumba explains why the decolonisation of African media remains an unfinished process — and why the continent needs strong, independent media capable of telling African stories from African perspectives.
