The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) has unveiled a continental guide aimed at improving media coverage of climate change, workers’ rights and Africa’s transition towards greener and more sustainable economies.
The publication, titled: A Practical Guide to Reporting Just Transition in Africa, provides journalists and newsrooms with specialized knowledge, ethical standards and practical tools for reporting on climate justice, climate finance, renewable energy, decent work and sustainable development.
It was officially launched during the Conference on African Workers’ Contribution to Energy Sovereignty, Green Industrialization and a Common African Position for COP31, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 5 to 7, 2026.
Presenting the publication, FAJ President, Omar Faruk, described the just transition as one of the most significant public-interest issues facing journalism today because of its implications for employment, livelihoods, workers’ rights and the future of African economies.
He said African countries and their citizens remain among those most affected by a climate crisis they contributed the least to creating. A fair transition, he maintained, is therefore essential to ensuring that climate and energy policies protect vulnerable communities while supporting sustainable economic development.
Omar Faruk emphasized that journalists have a crucial responsibility to explain the choices, opportunities and challenges associated with the transition.
“This guide equips African journalists with the knowledge and practical tools to report on just transition accurately, fairly and responsibly,” he said.
According to him, informed media coverage will help citizens understand climate policies, amplify the voices of workers and affected communities and ensure that African perspectives influence continental and international decision-making.
Chairperson of the FAJ Working Group on Climate Change, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, said the guide was informed by lessons gathered through FAJ’s engagement with journalists and trade unions across Africa.
He explained that engagements in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya and Ethiopia revealed growing interest among journalists in covering the just-transition agenda. However, many media practitioners still face difficulties accessing specialized knowledge, dependable information and reporting resources suited to African conditions.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla described climate change as one of the most complex and consequential stories of the present era. He said the new publication was developed to bridge existing knowledge gaps and promote accurate, ethical and evidence-based journalism that reflects African realities, experiences and solutions.
Deputy President of the International Trade Union Confederation-Africa (ITUC-Africa), Comrade Rose Omamo, said workers were increasingly seeking clear information about how the transition would affect their jobs, incomes and future security.
She noted that the guide would enable journalists to explain those changes more effectively while helping trade unions strengthen communication with their members.
Rose Omamo described the publication as an organizing instrument that could support unions in expanding their membership and maintaining their relevance. She also stressed the importance of providing workers with opportunities to acquire new skills as industries and labour markets undergo transformation.
She urged journalists and trade unions to make active use of the publication in telling Africa’s story at home and internationally rather than allowing it to remain unused.
ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, commended FAJ for producing the guide and called for stronger collaboration between journalists and trade unions.
Akhator Joel Odigie said trade unions were undertaking valuable work across the continent, but many of their activities and concerns remained underreported. He argued that better media coverage would improve public understanding and encourage Governments to introduce policies that protect workers and communities affected by climate and economic changes.
He also proposed recognizing outstanding journalism on the just transition, noting that quality reporting deserved continental attention and encouragement.
Developed by African journalists with contributions from experts in climate policy, labour and media, the guide contains reporting techniques, case studies and ethical recommendations. It covers climate finance, renewable energy, workers’ rights, information integrity and other issues central to Africa’s just transition.
The publication is available in English, French and Portuguese. It will be distributed through FAJ-affiliated journalists’ unions and media organisations across Africa, while digital copies will be made freely available to improve accessibility.
Its production was funded by Mondiaal FNV, the international solidarity organisation of the Dutch trade union movement, as part of wider efforts to strengthen trade-union engagement in climate justice, decent work and a fair transition.
