In a significant milestone, the Aga Khan University’s Graduate School of Media and Communications (AKU-GSMC) has been named the convener of the 2026 African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC).
For 21 years, the AIJC has been anchored in South Africa. Its decision to move the 2026 summit to Nairobi marks a monumental milestone, signalling East Africa’s rising dominance in the investigative journalism sphere and cementing GSMC’s status as a leader in journalism and media education and training.
The AIJC is widely regarded Africa’s premier most prestigious gathering for the profession. It is the platform where journalists, editors, and innovators convene to share best practices, collaborate on cross-border investigations, and explore emerging tools and techniques that strengthen accountability, transparency, and public interest reporting.
By securing the bid to host, GSMC is not just organising an event; it is bringing the heart of African investigative reporting to East Africa’s doorstep.
“This conference has become a home to Africa’s investigative journalism community. We are deeply honoured to accept this responsibility and carry this incredible legacy. To the Wits Centre for Journalism, we look forward to working closely with you to ensure this spirit lives on as we gather in Nairobi in 2026. We will do our best, and we thank you for entrusting us with the African Investigative Journalism Conference,” said Professor Nancy Booker, Dean at GSMC.
Hosting the conference in Nairobi is evidence of the city’s growing influence as a media hub. For local journalists, scholars and media students, this offers an unprecedented opportunity to engage with international heavyweights without leaving the region.
The 2026 AIJC will feature interactive workshops, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions designed to strengthen investigative reporting skills and advance ethical journalism practices. It will also provide a platform to celebrate the critical role journalists play in holding power to account and driving positive societal change.
GSMC is preparing to deliver a dynamic, inclusive and forward-looking conference. The 2026 edition promises to be more than just a meeting of minds – it will be a celebration of the critical role journalists play in ensuring accountability and driving positive societal change.
