The Media Council of Malawi (MCM) has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening media independence, accountability, and inclusivity following its participation in the African Media Councils Conference held in Lusaka, Zambia, from 17–18 March 2026.
As a signatory to the Lusaka Declaration on Media Self-Regulation, Accountability, Sustainability, and Information Integrity in Africa, MCM has committed to:
1) Defend Independent Self-Regulation: We reaffirm that self-regulation—not state control—is the only way to ensure a truly free press. We will work consultatively to strengthen our legal recognition while maintaining absolute institutional independence.
2) Advance Information Integrity: We will position the Council as a key non-state regulatory force in combating disinformation, promoting transparency, and ensuring access to credible information.
3) Navigating the AI Frontier: In collaboration with our regional peers, MCM will develop local guidelines for the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in newsrooms, ensuring that technology enhances journalism without eroding public trust.
4) Enhance Public Engagement: We will improve accessibility of our complaints system, increase awareness of our role, and promote media literacy among citizens.
5) Champion Inclusion and Equity: We are making a firm commitment to address the rise of online violence against female and young journalists and ensure that our regulatory body reflects the diversity of the Malawian people.
6) Promote Regional Collaboration: We will actively support the establishment of the Southern Africa Press Councils (SAPC) and strengthen coordination through the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA).
7) Sustainability as a Prerequisite: We are committed and will support media organizations in Malawi to develop diversified, sustainable funding models that secure our operations without compromising our integrity.
A Call to Action for Our Stakeholders
MCM emphasizes that these commitments require collective action. A strong, independent, and collaborative media ecosystem is essential to democracy, freedom of expression, and access to credible information. We call on media houses, practitioners, civil society, government, development partners, and the public to support our efforts in building a resilient and rights-based information environment.
The Lusaka Declaration is more than a document; it is a promise of solidarity. By aligning Malawi with the Pan-African architecture of the Network of Independent Media Councils (NIMCA) and the Southern Africa Press Councils Association (SAPCA), we are ensuring that our local media can withstand global pressures and digital harms.
Conclusion
MCM reaffirms its commitment to shape a resilient, rights-based information environment with the tools, the solidarity of our African peers, and a renewed fire to protect the truth at all costs. We call upon all Malawians and stakeholders to stand with us as we uphold media independence, accountability, and freedom of expression while ensuring that every citizen has access to credible, ethical, and independent information.
Download the document here:
