Call for Session Proposal
The Programme Committee invites interested researchers, scholars, practitioners, and experts in various fields to submit session proposals for consideration in the 2025 AFRICA CONFERENCE ON DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM (#ACDJ2025).
Conference Date: 3rd – 4th December 2025
Theme: Media, Inclusive Development: A Call to Action for Africa’s Future
Deadline for Abstracts submission is 31st August 2025
The ACDJ brings together influential journalists, media executives, media development organisations, academics, donor partners, civil society organisations and government representatives to discuss around development journalism and how to move Africa forward through journalism.
Topics for consideration include but not limited to the following:
- The Role of Investigative Journalism in Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Africa
- Harnessing Digital Media for Inclusive Development: Opportunities and Challenges
- The Impact of Media on Rural Development and Agricultural Innovation
- Empowering Marginalized Communities through Community Radio and Local Journalism
- Media Representation of Gender Issues and Women’s Empowerment in Africa
- The Influence of Social Media on Political Participation and Civic Engagement
- Journalistic Ethics and the Fight Against Misinformation in Africa
- The Role of Media in Advancing Education and Literacy in African Communities
- Media and Policy Advocacy for Disability Inclusion in African Societies
- Media Strategies for Addressing Health Crises and Promoting Public Health
- Storytelling for Social Change: Case Studies from African Journalists
- Media and Environmental Conservation: Raising Awareness and Driving Action
- The Challenges and Opportunities of Media Freedom in African Democracies
- The Role of Community Media in Supporting People with Disabilities
- Promoting Peace and Conflict Resolution through Media Interventions
- The Role of Women in African Media: Breaking Barriers and Shaping Narratives
- The Economic Impact of Media on Development Initiatives in Africa
- Innovative Approaches to Funding Independent Journalism in Africa
- The Role of Media in Bridging the Digital Divide and Promoting Digital Inclusion
- Media Coverage of Human Rights Issues and Advocacy Efforts in Africa
- The Future of Journalism in Africa: Emerging Trends and Technologies
- Cultural Preservation and Promotion through Media Platforms
- The Intersection of Media, Art, and Activism in Driving Social Justice
- The Role of Media in Advocating for the Rights of People with Disabilities in Africa
- Inclusive Journalism: Reporting on Accessibility and Disability Issues
- Promoting Disability Inclusion through Media Campaigns
- Empowering Journalists with Disabilities: Challenges and Success Stories
- Innovative Media Strategies for Raising Awareness about Disability Rights
- Access to Information: Ensuring Media Content is Accessible for All
- Empowering Women through Media: Strategies for Promoting Gender Equality and Inclusivity
Guidelines for Session Proposals:
Proposals are judged on their relevance to the #ACDJ2025 theme, aims and objectives, as well as prospect to the success of the conference. Applicants are therefore encouraged to carefully craft their proposals and select appealing speakers and moderators.
For panel sessions,
- Only panels of 4-5 persons are accepted. Panellists should be individuals who are able to share personal, and/or classroom experience.
- Innovative formats are encouraged. This should elicit a mix of storytelling, team debates, lightning talks, etc. to generate interactive discussions with audience.
- We encourage diversity (gender, youth and disability) in the selection of panellists and speakers.
Programme Committee will actively engage with the session organisers on format, speakers, possible collaborations, etc.
Who can apply?
Proposal will be accepted from media organisations, CSOs, NGOs, private sector, universities, policy and public affairs institutes, and other knowledge institutions.
What is possible at the venue?
The #ACDJ2025 caters for innovative formats for your session and can host both smaller (10 up to 30) and larger audiences (150 – 200).
Benefits for session organizers
- Ensuring the design and planning of a session within the #ACDJ2025.
- Branding amongst the #ACDJ2025 conference partners & supporters.
- Gaining access to specialists in the fields of media, development and academia.
- Being part of the leading Development Journalism Conference in Africa.
- Having your logo displayed on the #ACDJ2025 website, banner and the conference venue.
Responsibilities of session organizers
- Bearing the costs of travel, accommodation and other travel related expenses of moderators, speakers and facilitations of your session.
- Contacting the moderator and speakers to address logistical matters.
- Identifying a rapporteur to produce a 1-page report on the session, based on a template to be provided by the Programme Committee.
- Regularly liaising with the conference programme committee in the preparation of your session.
- Ensuring all contributors are properly registered and accredited for participation.
Session Proposal attracts N100,000.00 for a presentation in a breakaway session. It attracts N250,000.00 for a presentation at the plenary session.
*Please note, individuals who want to enter the venue need to hold evidence of registration.
***Interested in submitting proposal for a session? Please call Sekyen on +234 809 089 9927.