As the world commemorated World Press Freedom Day last Sunday, a report by Afrobarometer has revealed that while a strong majority of Africans support the media’s role in holding governments accountable, public perceptions of press freedom across the continent remain divided.
The study, based on 45 600 interviews conducted across 38 African countries in 2024 and 2025, shows that 72% of respondents endorse the media’s watchdog role, and nearly two-thirds favour press freedom over government control.
However, significant minorities and in some cases majorities, such as in Mali, still support government regulation of media content.
Despite broad backing for media independence, only 53% of Africans believe the press in their country is largely free, while 43% say it faces censorship or interference.
–Channel Africa–
