The Solutions Journalism Network’s Africa Initiative advocates teaches, and supports evidence-based reporting of African solutions, on African soil.
It works with newsroom editors, reporters, freelancers, and creatives across the continent to produce quality solutions journalism in place of the dominant, problem-focused narratives that do not reflect Africa’s reality.
Where in Africa are responses to social issues shattering stereotypes, and providing lessons for the world? Explore collections of stories on solutions that provide insights into how Africa addresses the health, sociocultural, and civic needs of its diverse populations.
Click for links to featured collections including Africa: Tech-Based Solutions, Quick Solutions Journalism Stories, Mental Healthcare in Age of COVID, and Lessons from Africa: Solutions the world can learn from.
Ruona Meyer is the Africa initiative manager at SJN. A print and broadcast journalist, media trainer, and consultant, she has had her work featured on several outlets, including the BBC, the Financial Times, Reuters, and Deutsche Welle. She was named Nigeria’s Investigative Journalist of the Year in 2013 and was Nigeria’s first Emmy Award nominee for her work on “Sweet Sweet Codeine,” a 2018 documentary on drug abuse in Nigeria for BBC Africa Eye. Ruona is also studying for a doctorate in Investigative Journalism.
She spoke on why solutions journalism matter to her and expectations from journalists in the region.
Why does solutions journalism matter to you?
Africa has been blighted for far too long with problem-prioritizing narratives. This has widened distrust, particularly along the lines of ethnicity, gender, partisanship, and even religion. I believe the fastest way to reversing the disinformation and mending the conversations — and hearts of the audience — lies in practicing and consuming journalism that is wholesome. This is why solutions journalism matters to me.
What do you want people to know about you that’s not in your bio?
I love fried plantains — really. To the extent that I probably wouldn’t mind being paid my salary in plantains.
What are your hopes for your region and the journalists you will work with this year?
My hope for Africa’s innovative, hard-working, courageous journalists is to see a marked shift from the amplification of stereotypical, divisive news to more responsible, solutions-based journalism that will uplift our continent and enlighten her citizens. My hope for Africa is that the work we will do this year will reiterate that this great continent is no monolith but a vibrant, rich mix of perspectives, all of which are best showcased through a solutions lens.
If you are a journalist based in Africa and want to talk about the new initiative, email Ruona (ruona@solutionsjournalism.org).
