By Joyce Kimani
Nairobi, Kenya: In a groundbreaking initiative to amplify climate justice narratives, five innovative media startups from Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe have been awarded cash grants to launch their climate-focused media projects.
The funding was granted through the inaugural Green Media Accelerator (GMA) bootcamp, an initiative designed to support and scale impactful environmental journalism across Africa.
The GMA aims to foster collaboration between grassroots organizations, media institutions, and policy experts. It seeks to amplify the voices of sustainability advocates, environmental justice campaigners, and proponents of a just energy transition that moves away from fossil fuel dependency.
Empowering a New Generation of Climate Communicators
The winners of the accelerator program include young content creators, civic rights defenders, policymakers, journalists, and filmmakers. Their mission is to explore innovative storytelling methods to deepen the conversation around climate change and environmental justice.
They adopted different techniques including stop motion films, in-depth investigations and 2D animations..
The program was made possible through the generous support of Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and was implemented by the Consortium for Human Rights and Media partners: Magamba Network, Fojo Institute, and Wits Centre for Journalism.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between grassroots organizations, traditional and new media, and policymakers, ensuring that climate advocacy is both inclusive and impactful.
“They have such important stories to tell that will amplify young people’s demands to ditch fossil fuels and fight for an African renewable energy revolution that works for the many and not the few,” said Farai Monro, Creative Director at Magamba Network.
Combating Climate Disinformation
In addition to the grant winners, the Green Media Accelerator has extended support to two influential media hubs: Media Challenge Initiative (Uganda) and Buni Media (Kenya). These organizations will spearhead a cutting-edge “Fake News Fighters” program designed to combat climate disinformation and misinformation. By fostering media talent and producing compelling, fact-based climate stories, these hubs will play a crucial role in reaching diverse audiences across East Africa.
“This experience has been nothing short of transformative. I’ve learned so much, not just about green media and climate change but also about innovation, collaboration, and impact. The insights shared and the rich discussions we had will remain invaluable to my work moving forward,” Said Sally Ngoiri, a film maker from Kick Ass Films.
Key Discussions and Outcomes
The accelerator bootcamp tackled pressing environmental topics, including Just Energy Transition, Community Empowerment, Environmental Justice, and Reparations from Oil Companies. Participants also examined the role of alternative media in shaping truthful narratives around these issues and explored actionable solutions to drive social and environmental change.
Reflecting on the program, Jean Mujati, Programme Manager at Fojo Institute, shared a poignant moment:
“As we concluded the first Green Media Accelerator bootcamp, news reports on the rapidly increasing glacier melt of Mt. Kenya flashed across cable networks in my hotel room. The glow of success I had felt was quickly diminished as I watched reports detailing the devastating impacts on surrounding ecosystems. All I can say now is that we need more and more support for our journalists to tell climate change stories from every possible angle.”
A Call for Greater Investment in Climate Journalism
The GMA initiative underscores the power of collaboration between media, grassroots climate movements, and policy leaders. By centering community-driven journalism and evidence-based storytelling, the program has laid a strong foundation for an informed and engaged public ready to advocate for meaningful environmental change.
“Each of the startups in this bootcamp demonstrates a deep commitment to climate change communication through a variety of storytelling tools and techniques. There is also a welcome focus on grassroots communities and their ability to effect change. We need more of this work on our continent, and we need funders, national public broadcasters, and other stakeholders to help stimulate growth in the startup media sector through investment,” said Dinesh Balliah, Director of Wits Centre for Journalism.
With its strong emphasis on media innovation and grassroots advocacy, the Green Media Accelerator is poised to make a lasting impact on climate justice conversations in Africa, inspiring the next generation of storytellers to champion sustainability and equitable environmental policies.
