Namibia: 'African Journalists Earn Below Basic Living Needs'

What the report says

A survey by the Federation of African Journalists has highlighted widespread financial hardship among reporters across the continent, with 61% earning below the minimum considered necessary for basic living needs. The findings were reported by New Era and distributed via AllAfrica, based on the FAJ’s 2026 report released on Tuesday with Unesco support. The study covered 1,586 journalists in 45 African countries and examined pay, contracts, safety, labour rights and media freedom.

The report describes a sector under strain: many respondents said they face delayed salaries, lack written contracts and do not have access to pensions or similar benefits. It also says a large share of journalists have experienced non-payment, editorial interference and pressure to alter stories. According to the survey, many journalists report self-censorship because of fear of retaliation, dismissal or other consequences.

Safety and workplace conditions also emerged as major concerns. The report says many journalists have encountered threats or intimidation in recent years, while women journalists were seen as facing added risks such as discrimination, harassment and unequal pay. FAJ said the situation can weaken editorial independence, investigative journalism and public accountability.

FAJ called for stronger labour protections, fair wages, written contracts, social security, collective bargaining and better safety measures. It also urged digital security training, legal support and workplace policies to protect women journalists. The survey’s authors cautioned that participation was voluntary and that the results should be read as broader trends rather than a fully representative country-by-country measure.