Key Points
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African newsrooms demand fair compensation for AI content use.
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Strategic alliances can increase negotiating power and sustainability.
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Regional policies and partnerships offer a path to digital equity.
The growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism has transformed how content is produced and consumed.
As AI tools power everything from content creation to personalization, African publishers are increasingly advocating for fair compensation when their content trains large language models (LLMs).
Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa have tested alternative revenue models—many donor-funded or nonprofit in nature—but financial sustainability remains a challenge. Meanwhile, global publishers have moved swiftly.
The Associated Press and Shutterstock have secured licensing deals with AI companies like OpenAI, earning annual fees ranging from $1 million to $5 million.
These agreements also give access to AI tools that improve editorial workflows.
Despite the innovation, not every deal satisfies publishers. The New York Times and others have filed lawsuits against OpenAI for unauthorized content use.
These legal battles highlight the need for clear licensing agreements, consent, and credit.
Africa’s fragmented media landscape limits bargaining power
In South Africa, the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) is pushing to include small publishers in tech partnership discussions. S
ome advocate for journalism funds, while others prefer long-term revenue guarantees. Taiwan secured a $9.8 million Google deal—before legislation was even introduced.
So, why are African media houses still waiting? In part, it’s due to a lack of infrastructure, strategic unity, and regional collaboration.
Many African outlets suffer from outdated content systems, poor connectivity, and limited ownership of their platforms. Victor Asemota put it plainly: “We own nothing and host almost nothing.”
These limitations make it difficult for African newsrooms to join global negotiations or even access monetization opportunities on platforms like Google. Without a coordinated strategy, African publishers remain at a disadvantage.
Strategic partnerships and policy advocacy are key to digital equity
To close the gap, African newsrooms must form strategic partnerships—both within the continent and with global tech firms.
These collaborations could unlock licensing agreements, enhance AI capacity, and improve monetization.
Botswana offers a promising example. It has begun working with regional stakeholders to push for AI legislation inspired by models in Australia and Indonesia.
These policies require tech firms to provide algorithmic transparency and compensation for content use.
The Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) also encourages media outlets to shift toward product innovation, stronger audience engagement, and independent revenue streams.
Compensation models should include licensing fees, revenue sharing, or AI tool access to invest in the future of African journalism—not just pay for past use.
To remain relevant in the global information economy, African publishers must speak with one voice. They must advocate for fairness in AI partnerships, ensure representation in global tech conversations, and promote internal innovation. If they fail to act, they risk being sidelined as mere spectators in the AI age.
