African editors have been reminded that the quality of journalism in Africa has the capacity to affect the cost of capital on the continent.
The Regional Chief Executive for East Africa at Standard Bank Group, Dr Joshua Oigara, speaking at the opening of the Africa Editors Congress Monday February 23, 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, said the quality of journalism affects the cost of Africa’s capital.
“I have been in rooms where returns were strong, the investment thesis compelling, and the opportunity clear yet the conversation shifted. Not because of regulation or returns, but because of uncertainty about the information environment. Will the story being told about a country, sector, or institution remain credible as circumstances evolve?” He asked.
Citing a 2025 Reuters Digital News Report, he said trust in media is highest in sub-Saharan Africa with Nigeria at 68 percent and Kenya at 65 percent. “These numbers are remarkable. They reflect years of extraordinary journalism.,” he said.
Dr Oigara however argued that in an age where AI can generate and distribute content faster than it can be verified, those numbers are fragile and more valuable than ever.
“Strengthening that trust is central to reclaiming value in African journalism and essential to unlocking long-term capital flows,” he said.
He pointed out that investors read financial models, read headlines, narratives, the tone of national discourse and the integrity of those who shape it.
“Steady journalism extends investment horizons. Uncertainty compresses them. This is why Standard Bank is here today. Because a healthy, independent, sustainable media ecosystem is foundational to the Africa’s economic future we are building together,” he said.
The first edition of the Africa Editors Congress is under the theme: “Reclaiming Value, Rebuilding Trust, Redefining Sustainability”.
Commenting on the theme, Dr Oigara said, it resonates far beyond the media sector.
“Because each of these ideas is now a prerequisite for Africa’s future. Reclaiming value by elevating credible African stories, Rebuilding trust in an information environment flooded with significant noise and Redefining sustainability to include the long-term viability of the African media,” he said.
By Emmanuel K Dogbevi, in Nairobi, Kenya.
