This year’s edition, taking place from October 30 to November 1 at the university’s Science Stadium on the West Campus, brings together over 140 speakers from across the continent and beyond. Organised by the Wits Centre for Journalism and its partners, AIJC 2024 promises a packed schedule of talks, panel discussions, masterclasses, workshops, and networking sessions featuring Africa’s most prominent investigative journalists, trainers, and experts.
Highlighting the theme of this milestone year, AIJC 2024 focuses on investigative reporting, offering a platform for journalists to connect with renowned experts, acquire new skills, and delve into impactful storytelling techniques. "This conference is very beneficial as it allows us to network with journalists across the world and to learn about their experiences," said Midah Kuessie from Ghana, one of the attending journalists.
Keynote speaker Dr. Naledi Pandor, Chair of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, addressed the gathering, speaking on the significance of investigative journalism in Africa and its essential role in ensuring transparency and accountability on the continent.
Key themes on this year’s agenda include data journalism, cyber and crypto crime, cultural art and NFT investigations, journalist safety, and health investigations.
The AIJC, a staple event held annually at Wits, has evolved over the years into one of the most respected conferences for investigative journalism in Africa. Attendees are expected to gain valuable insights into topics ranging from sustainability, climate change reporting, artificial intelligence, and the dynamics of south-south and global north-south relations.
“The conference is usually held over three days late in the year (October/November), where journalists from Africa and elsewhere gather at Wits University to network, share ideas and stories, celebrate excellent, groundbreaking work, and learn from one another through a series of lectures, workshops, masterclasses, and seminars,” the organizers noted in a recent statement.
As it celebrates two decades of fostering impactful journalism, AIJC 2024 is set to strengthen investigative reporting across Africa, equipping journalists with the tools and knowledge to address some of the continent’s most pressing issues. With a robust schedule of sessions led by leaders in the field, attendees will be able to sharpen their skills and connect with peers dedicated to advancing transparency and accountability through their work.
--ChannelAfrica--
