Stanbic Bank has renewed its commitment to Africa’s long-term economic transformation through a Platinum Sponsorship of the 2026 Africa Editors Congress.
The bank said the sponsorship underscores its support for strong and trusted institutions that enhance market confidence and broaden economic participation across the continent.
The inaugural congress, organised by the African Editors Forum and the Eastern Africa Editors Society, will be held at the Graduate School for Media and Communications at Aga Khan University in Nairobi. It is expected to bring together more than 200 editors-in-chief, media owners, regulators and technology leaders under the theme: “Reclaiming Value, Rebuilding Trust, Redefining Sustainability.”
Stanbic said the partnership reflects its belief that sustainable growth depends on resilient institutional ecosystems — including a financially sustainable and independent media sector. According to the bank, credible information systems promote transparent markets, strengthen investor confidence, support SME growth and drive inclusive economic participation.
Standard Bank Regional Chief Executive for East Africa, Dr Joshua Oigara, described the media as central to economic development.
“The media is the circulatory system for the information that fuels our economies. In a rapidly changing landscape of AI and digitisation, our support for the media remains firm. For East Africa to realise its immense growth potential, we need a vibrant media ecosystem that fosters transparency and builds investor confidence,” he said.
Anne Aliker, Head of Africa Regions–Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank Group, said the bank views media sustainability as integral to Africa’s development agenda.
“Our purpose is to drive Africa’s growth, and that growth is inextricably linked to the health of its key institutions. A trusted, innovative and sustainable media sector is a fundamental engine for progress,” she said.
Churchill Otieno, President of the African Editors Forum, said the congress represents a continental effort to redefine journalism’s value and sustainability amid shifting global information flows and strained business models.
The 2026 Africa Editors Congress — the first of its kind — aims to deliver practical outcomes, including a Continental Statement on Public-Interest Media Regulation, to help secure the future of journalism in Africa.
