About Ajen
The African Journalism Education Network
brings together people and organisations active in African journalism education as well as those interested in the field. Many members are attached to university programmes in journalism, communication and media studies, but members also work in other kinds of organisations, including NGOs, media outlets and others. We are united by the belief that democracy needs good journalism, and that quality journalism education can help the continent and its people get the information services they deserve.
The organisation was set up as an informal network of journalism educators in 2019. The Covid crisis forced Ajen to conduct initial activity online, but a first physical meeting was hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg in 2022, in conjunction with the annual meeting of the South African Communications Association (Sacomm). A second meeting was hosted in 2023 by the University of Rwanda in Kigali, in conjunction with the annual meeting of the East African Communications Association (Eaca). Ajen was formally constituted in Kigali during this meeting, on 28 August 2023.
AJEN is registered as a non-profit organisation with South Africa’s Department of Social Development, with the registration number 304-550 NPO.
Journalism Teaching Centres in Africa
Countries Represented in Ajen
Ajen aims:
To promote and strengthen the teaching and study of journalism and related fields in Africa, through:
o The exchange of information on opportunities, best practices and the implications of changing media landscapes
o Fostering discussion on issues of common concern
o Undertaking joint projects
o Building research, publication and other collaborations
o Any other means as decided from time to time
o Boost the standing of African journalism, its teaching and research in the global community of communication teaching and scholarship.
Ajen is registered in South Africa as a non-profit organisation with the number 304-550 NPO.
