Africa needs skilled journalists to drive science, technology and innovation

By Veronica Mrema – Pretoria

Accurate and professional science journalism is a crucial tool for conveying correct information to the public and supporting the advancement of research and innovations. Africa still faces a significant need for journalists who are dedicated to science and skilled at communicating scientific matters in a language that is easy for communities to understand.

"Any work we do [in science] only matters if it is well understood by people and society as a whole," said South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, while officially opening the 13th World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ2025).

The conference is taking place in Pretoria, South Africa, from December 1–5, 2025, under the theme “Science Journalism that Builds Understanding, Scientific Integrity, and Social Justice.”

"When I was asked to open this conference, I accepted immediately because of the importance of the role of science journalists in advancing science," he said.

He added: "Journalists are a very important bridge but we are not talking about a bridge without accountability no, it is a crucial bridge to educate society about science.

"As a continent, we need many more science journalists because we still have a responsibility to advance science, technology, and innovation across Africa. Communication is a key part of that. For example, we have the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa [STISA 2034], which aims to promote science, research, and development across the continent. That is very important. We therefore value the work you do, and it is extremely important," he emphasized.

He said journalists should help Africa counter misconceptions and bias in the way science is communicated.

"We must also involve marginalized groups women, historically disadvantaged communities, or those previously oppressed so they too are part of science communication. One of the greatest risks to the value of science is turning it into a project for leaders or a few individuals. Science should not be a project for the elite; it must be a project accessible and understandable to everyone. We encourage you to keep this in mind as science journalists," he said.

Professor Nzimande added: "Journalists must confront the challenge of false information [fake news]. This is one of the most dangerous issues in today’s communication, as social media has both advantages and disadvantages. It is good because almost everyone can access information these days, and everyone speaks, but it can also quickly spread false information, which is dangerous.

"In science, we must fight misinformation not just in society in general, but especially in science because it can cause serious harm," he stressed.

"Do you remember during COVID how misinformation spread? Today, in large countries, some people claim that vaccines cause autism, which is completely false. But when repeated by people in authority, it becomes even more dangerous. This means you must be courageous as journalists. You must be brave and not afraid to ask the big, important questions," he said.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in journalism is also not to be left behind, he emphasized: "We need to integrate new technologies like AI into your work to strengthen professionalism and transparency in your field.

"We must also address disparities in how science is reported. Our continent is still marginalized in many ways. You take on the responsibility to ensure that science reaches Africans but not only that. You also ensure that innovations, discoveries, and scientific projects from Africa gain recognition both within and outside the continent," said Prof. Nzimande.

Science diplomacy is another area where journalists play a role in strengthening Africa internally: "Science knows no borders, and because of this, it has enormous potential to build diplomatic relationships between countries and continents.

"As South Africa, we strongly believe in open science that science should be accessible and transparent. But I must say, science journalists are an extremely important part of this work, whether you realize it or not. Without you, we cannot reach those we are meant to reach," said Prof. Nzimande.

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