About
- What is WAJIC?
The West African Journalism Innovation Conference (WAJIC) will convene the largest body of journalists, media professionals, the academic community, policymakers, government institutions, and other relevant stakeholders across West Africa to discuss the state of accountability journalism in West Africa and how innovation is impacting its evolution, values and principles.
This maiden edition of the conference - #WAJIC’23 is themed Accountability Journalism: Nurturing Innovation for a Sustainable Future.
The conference will feature workshops, expert panels, and explore media innovations and technological tools that can fortify journalism practice in the African region. It will also foster networking opportunities and collaboration that can improve accountability journalism in ways that meet the yearnings of democracy and development in the interest of Africa.
This three-day event will take place between the 24th and 26th of July 2023 in
Abuja and is open to:
Investigative journalists working across online, print, television, radio, and other multimedia platforms in West Africa.
Individuals who have built tech start-ups or are building tech communities
Individuals who have built tech tools that solve problems around information
Individuals from the business community and potential media investors
Academics working on business innovation or market changing/opening innovation - Who are the Organisers of WAJIC’23
The West African Journalism Innovation Conference (WAJIC’23) is organised by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID); a West African media innovation and development think tank.
Founded in 2014 as a non-governmental organisation in Nigeria, the centre demonstrates leadership in investigations, journalism innovations, open data, fact-checking, and the promotion of press freedom and expression. In 2020, the centre expanded its footprints beyond Nigeria and moved into specific niches in Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the Gambia. - When is the conference?
WAJIC’23 will hold from Monday 24 July 2023 to Thursday, 27 July 2023 as follows:
Art Exhibition & Fundraising Event themed Safe4Press: Shining a Light on The Dark Side of Journalist Safety and Press Violation holds on Monday, July 24, 2023, by 6pm
Conference Dates - Tuesday, July 25 & Wednesday, July 26, 2023.
Departure - Thursday, July 27, 2023 - Where is WAJIC’23 holding?
This year, the conference will hold in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria; Abuja.
- Tell me about the City of Abuja
Abuja is the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. It is also a key capital on the African continent due to Nigeria's geo-political influence in regional affairs.
The Nigerian capital city has a reputation for being hospitable and friendly, all of which make it a great place to spend a little time during your stay in Nigeria.
Abuja is fortunate to have plenty of natural attractions within easy reach, as well as cultural and tourist destinations, so there’s lots to interest everyone. In the city itself, modern buildings abound, including the National Mosque and the headquarters of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Children and adults alike will be well-entertained at the Abuja National Children's Park and Zoo, while nearby attractions include Zuma Rock, the Gurara Falls, and the Usama Dam. - What weather can I expect in Abuja?
In July, Abuja will be in the rainy season which begins from April and ends in October; when daytime temperatures reach 28 °C (82.4 °F) to 30 °C (86.0 °F) and nighttime lows hover around 22 °C (71.6 °F) to 23 °C (73.4 °F).
Registration
- Is there a registration fee?
Yes. The conference fee for WAJIC’23 is $200. The conference fee covers full access to panel sessions, workshops, conference materials, tea breaks and lunch throughout the conference.CJID will however be providing limited scholarship opportunities to cover conference fee, travels and accommodation for participants who demonstrate high support need to attend.
- Will a confirmation be sent to me after I register?
Yes. You will receive a confirmation email, immediately after registration. Applicants will further receive an email that allows them to apply for the fellowship.
- Can I register multiple staff from my office under just one account?
For now, it is best that you share the link with every one of them, to register individually. We look forward to receiving them.
- When will I receive my participant's tag?
Tags will be given at the venue of the conference on the day of arrival. Please note that for safety and security purposes, all delegates will be verified.
Conference Sessions
- Will there be a pre-conference seminar?
No. The conference begins with an art exhibition on the evening of the day of arrival. The exhibition serves as an opportunity to present artworks and other visual media that spotlight threats to freedom of the press as tools to support ongoing advocacy efforts to protect press freedom, and freedom of expression more broadly. The event would also serve as a complimentary welcome reception as all participants will enjoy an evening of relaxing and networking with colleagues and friends.
- Where is the venue for the conference?
The venue is Abuja International Conference Centre, 11, Central Area, 900 Herbert Macaulay Way, Abuja, Nigeria.
- How many sessions will be available?
More than 20 sessions will be available.
- What is the schedule of conference sessions?
The conference schedule will be sent to your email address, after registration.
- Do I need to pre-select the workshops I plan to attend at the conference?
No, while you can do that for proper personal planning, participants do not need to select the workshops they want to attend in advance. You can decide at the conference what workshops you’ll attend.
- Who are this year’s speakers?
This year’s speakers have not yet been announced. However, our thematic areas this year are; Investigative Reporting, Data Journalism, Solutions Journalism, AI and Digital Technology in Journalism, Media Freedom, Media in West Africa Elections, Information Disorder in a Digital Age, Journalism with the Next-Gen, Funding and Sustainability Models for Newsrooms. Stay tuned to WAJIC.org/conference for announcements.
- Will the conference be recorded?
All participants will receive access to the recording to listen, on-demand through our communication management system.
Sponsorship, Exhibition, and partnership
- How do I become a conference sponsor, exhibitor or partner?
For sponsorships, exhibitions and partnerships, please email [email protected] and copy [email protected] and [email protected]
General Enquiries
- Will meals be provided during the conference?
Breakfast, Tea-break and Lunch will be provided throughout the conference, for all registered participants.
- What is the dress attire for the conference sessions?
We recommend wearing West African business casual attire and comfortable shoes.
- Will photos and/or videos be taken during the conference?
By attending this conference, your photo is subject to be taken and used for various promotional purposes, including posts made on social media during the conference.
- What should I do if I have a question that is not on this list?
We’re happy to assist you with any additional questions you may have concerning this year’s conference. Please use the subject of inquiry page on this website to email a CJID staff, that can help with your questions or send your inquiry to [email protected]