The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) has introduced a continental guide designed to enhance media reporting on climate change, workers’ rights, and Africa’s shift towards greener and more sustainable economies. This significant initiative, aimed at improving media coverage of these critical areas, was officially launched during the Conference on African Workers’ Contribution to Energy Sovereignty, Green Industrialization and a Common African Position for COP31. The conference, where the guide was unveiled, took place from August 5 to 7, 2026. The new guide aims to equip journalists with the necessary tools to cover the complex issues surrounding the just transition across the continent, providing essential context and practical guidance for accurate and full reporting.
Guide's Purpose and Content
FAJ President, Omar Faruk, stated that the just transition represents one of the most significant public-interest issues currently facing journalism. Faruk emphasized the guide's key role, stating, "This guide equips African journalists with the knowledge and practical tools to report on just transition accurately, fairly and responsibly." He further described the just transition as one of the most significant public-interest issues facing journalism today, showing the urgent need for informed media coverage. The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) developed the guide with contributions from a diverse group, including African journalists and experts in climate policy, labour, and media. Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, who chairs the FAJ Working Group on Climate Change, was actively involved in the development process. To enhance accessibility, digital copies of the guide will be made available to journalists free of charge, ensuring broad dissemination across the continent. This free access is intended to maximize its reach and utility for journalists working in various regions and media environments.
Development and Funding
Engagements for the guide's development were conducted in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Ethiopia, involving various stakeholders and gathering diverse perspectives. Mondiaal FNV provided funding for the production of the guide, supporting the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) initiative in its mission to empower African journalists. Among the contributors to the guide's content is The Calabash Newspaper, which stated it "is Sierra Leone's leading English-language news platform, established in 2017 to provide trusted news, investigative journalism, politics, business, health, sports, and current affairs to audiences in Sierra Leone and around the world." The Calabash Newspaper was established in 2017, demonstrating its commitment to quality journalism and its relevance in the media landscape. The collaborative development process, involving both journalists and experts, ensured that the guide is both practically useful and grounded in sound policy and scientific understanding.
Expert and Union Endorsements
Comrade Rose Omamo, Deputy President of the International Trade Union Confederation-Africa (ITUC-Africa), is a key figure within the organization. The ITUC-Africa represents a significant voice for workers across the continent, advocating for their rights and interests in the face of economic and environmental changes. Akhator Joel Odigie serves as the General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, leading the confederation's operations and strategic direction. Their involvement signals strong union support for initiatives like the FAJ's new guide, which aims to improve reporting on the just transition and its implications for workers, ensuring that labour perspectives are adequately represented in media discourse. The collaboration with such prominent labour organizations notes the guide's full approach to addressing the multifaceted nature of the just transition.
Journalistic Imperative
The new publication is titled "A Practical Guide to Reporting Just Transition in Africa." Its availability in multiple languages aims to broaden its reach across the continent, making it accessible to a wider journalistic audience. The guide is accessible in English, French, and Portuguese, reflecting the diverse linguistic landscape of African nations and ensuring inclusivity.
The Conference on African Workers’ Contribution to Energy Sovereignty, Green Industrialization and a Common African Position for COP31, where the guide was officially launched, took place in Nairobi, Kenya. This location served as a central hub for discussions on climate change, workers' rights, and the continent's transition towards greener economies, bringing together key stakeholders from across Africa. The multi-language offering is intended to ensure that journalists from various regions and linguistic backgrounds can utilize the resources provided by the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) to enhance their reporting on these critical issues, thereby fostering a more informed public debate. The guide's title emphasizes its practical application for journalists covering the complex subject of just transition in an African context, providing actionable advice and insights.