The MFWA is a regional independent non-governmental organisation with a network of national partner organisations in all 16 countries in West Africa. It is the biggest and most influential media development and freedom of expression organisation in the region with UN ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) Consultative Status. At the Africa Union (AU) level, the MFWA has Observer Status with the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR). The MFWA also has Equivalency Determination Certification with NGOSource that certifies the organisation as being the equivalent of a public charity in the United States. The MFWA is also the Secretariat of the continental Network of the most prominent Free Expression and Media Development Organisations in Africa, known as the Africa Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX). It also works in partnership with other regional and international organisations through different networks such as IFEX, AFEX, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), the African Platform on Access to Information (APAI), Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD), and International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI). The organisation also has a partnership agreement with the regional inter-governmental body, ECOWAS. It also engages frequently with mechanisms of the African Union (AU) and the UN.
Our Mission
To promote and defend the right to freedom of expression of all persons particularly the media and human rights defenders in West Africa.
Our Vision
A West Africa in which all persons enjoy the right to freedom of expression without fear or threat by any actors.
Core Values
- Our interest and actions in promoting media rights and the right of free expression are inspired by the principles of equality, liberty and social justice irrespective of belief, race, ethnicity, or sex.
- We are independent, non-partisan and non-sectarian
- We desire to attain excellence and professionalism in our work
- We are committed to accountability, transparency and good stewardship
- We are committed to teamwork, collaboration, cooperation, partnership and solidarity
Strategic Objectives
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A freer and safer environment for independent journalism and expression (offline and online)
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Strengthened media capacity that enables participatory, responsive, transparent and accountable governance
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Increased efficiency, influence and impact of MFWA and its partner organisations
Overall Strategic Goal
The overall strategic goal of the organisation during the three-year period will be to contribute to ensuring that:
The right to freedom of expression is respected, protected and promoted in West Africa; with enhanced transparency and accountability in governance through quality journalism, increased public access to factual information (both online and offline), and increased civic participation in governance.
You can also learn about our Thematic Programmes.