From hope to reality in Ethiopia

After decades of repressive rule, democracy has started to develop in Ethiopia. With the new government in place, the new reform-oriented president started a major media transformation, awakening  fresh aspirations for a free media and a broader space for freedom of expression. In spite of these very positive developments, the situation for Ethiopian journalists is still far from ideal; Ethiopian media is plagued with ethnic divisions, self-censorship, restrictive legal environment and lack of professionalism. Although on a good course, some of these setbacks risk to slow down the ongoing reform. To stay on the path, Ethiopian journalists will need continued support.

What we do

Fojo started to work in Ethiopia in late 2016, when the first signs of a potential democratic development were seen. The programme “Media Reform in a Time of Change – Promoting Journalism and Democracy” – kicked off in 2020 and will continue through to 2023, in collaboration with International Media Support (IMS).

The programme supports the creation of institutional and legal frameworks, including self-regulation of the media and strengthening Ethiopian journalists to produce high quality journalism that promotes democratic values, equality between men and women and engages the society to actively participate in public discourse. At the same time, the programme seeks to help media outlets to become independent and financially sustainable. Activities and partnerships are carried out across the country, including the country’s vulnerable communities, particularly refugees and internally displaced people.

The programme is implemented with support from Sweden and Denmark.