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From Policy to Action: How Tanzania is Turning AI and Media Strategy into Reality
At this year’s World Press Freedom Day in Arusha, Tanzania, a gathering of media stakeholders, policymakers, and international partners was a springboard for concrete policy action. Under UNESCO’s leadership, the event did more than spark conversations—it built consensus.
Across two days of high-level dialogue, parallel technical sessions, and thematic consultations, Tanzania demonstrated its readiness to move from discussion to delivery. Stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector converged to provide actionable recommendations for the country’s draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the National Plan of Action for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children (NPA VAWC II). These outcomes signal a shift: Tanzania is aligning media and AI governance with human rights principles, innovation, and inclusion.
Experts in the government are working on drafting a policy outline on artificial intelligence (AI) to guide its use in the media sector
At the national commemoration of World Press Freedom Day 2025 in Arusha, Tanzanian journalists and media stakeholders adopted the Arusha Declaration—a bold reaffirmation of their commitment to media freedom, ethical journalism, and inclusive public discourse in the digital age. The declaration calls for greater investment in emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence, to counter disinformation and strengthen election coverage. It urges media houses to ensure decent working conditions for journalists, promote gender equality, and safeguard both physical and digital safety—particularly for women in media and politics.
Let us leave here with a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges of AI and digital transformation are significant, but so too are the opportunities. By fostering dialogue, collaboration and ethical innovation, we can ensure that the press remains free, independent and resilient in this new era.
Stakeholders emphasized the need for inclusive, rights-based media policies, stronger legal protection, and proactive measures against threats to press freedom. The declaration also calls on the government and all other relevant actors to uphold editorial independence and ensure inclusive electoral processes.
As we mark World Press Freedom Day, we are reminded that telling the truth is not a crime. We must do more to support journalists and journalism. UNESCO will continue to support governments, civil society, and media organizations in creating environments where journalists can work safely and freely in this new AI age...because press freedom matters.
As we look ahead, Korea is reinforcing its commitment to supporting Africa’s development particularly in ICT and digital transformation. Building on this momentum, we hope to explore ways to apply these technologies to journalism, along with focused efforts to train journalists in digital skills.
With plans for policy action and capacity building, including a roadmap for AI and media development on the horizon, and a strategic blueprint to address gender-based violence through media and digital platforms, the event has ignited momentum for long-term policy impact.
