OtownGist Founder Chinedu Hardy Nwadike to Lead AI Ethics Session at Cameroon Journalism Workshop

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way journalists gather, verify and present information. As newsrooms across Africa adapt to these changes, media professionals are increasingly seeking practical ways to embrace emerging technologies without compromising ethical standards.

That conversation will take centre stage in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where the Founder of OtownGist Media & Creative Hub, Chinedu Hardy Nwadike, has been invited to facilitate a session on the ethical use of artificial intelligence in journalism at a two-day capacity-building workshop organised by Civic Watch Cameroon.

The workshop brings together journalists, media trainers, digital rights advocates and peacebuilding experts to examine key issues affecting the media landscape, including media freedom, digital safety, civic space and responsible journalism in an increasingly digital world.

Nwadike will lead a session titled “Ethical Use of AI in Journalism,” which will explore how journalists can responsibly integrate artificial intelligence into newsroom operations while maintaining the principles of accuracy, transparency and accountability. The session will also address emerging challenges surrounding misinformation, verification, algorithmic bias and the disclosure of AI-generated content.

Participants are expected to discuss practical applications of AI in journalism, including content planning, transcription, language translation, multimedia production and audience engagement, while emphasising the importance of editorial oversight and ethical decision-making when using the technology.

The programme forms part of a broader Civic Watch Cameroon initiative aimed at protecting civic space online and offline by combating hate speech, discrimination and misinformation. Organisers say the workshop is designed to equip media professionals with the skills needed to navigate evolving digital challenges while strengthening responsible journalism and democratic participation.

Other facilitators include Dr. Kinang Derick, a peacebuilding and digital human rights consultant with Civic Watch Cameroon, who will lead discussions on documenting discrimination and human rights violations against journalists. Fact-checker and media trainer, Fotso Fonkam of Code for Africa, will facilitate sessions on digital safety and collective action for protecting civic space, while Eugene N. Nforngwa, Director of the Africa Resilience Institute, will speak on ethical, rights-based and conflict-sensitive reporting to counter hate speech and discrimination.

The workshop is scheduled to hold on July 23, 2026, at the Civic Watch Cameroon Head Office in Yaoundé. Nwadike’s participation comes amid his engagements in Cameroon surrounding the inaugural Yaoundé Cultural Marathon, where he has also been involved in media and community-based initiatives.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape journalism globally, the workshop reflects growing efforts across Africa to prepare journalists not only to adopt emerging technologies but also to use them responsibly in ways that preserve public trust and strengthen independent media.