The Digital Agenda for Tanzania Initiative (DA4TI), with support from the NetHope Connected AI Grant, successfully conducted a two-day workshop on the Use of AI in Journalism and Civic Media from 10-11 June 2026 at Sunset Hotel in Iringa, Tanzania.

The workshop brought together 20 participants from journalism, media organizations, and civil society organizations across Southern Tanzania. More than 15 media houses were represented, creating a vibrant space for learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on the growing role of artificial intelligence in journalism and civic work. 

Facilitated by NetHope Connector Bonface Witaba alongside DA4TI team members Tatu Mbamba, James Chitemo, and Mercy Kamathi Becon, the workshop combined discussions, practical exercises, and peer learning to help participants understand both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with new technologies.

Learning New Skills for Modern Newsrooms.

The workshop opened with sessions exploring the evolution of digital technologies and their growing influence on media and civic work. Participants discussed how newsrooms and organizations are adapting to changing information environments and the need to build new skills to remain effective and relevant.

Discussions focused on how technology can help improve efficiency in content production, research, information gathering, translation, and audience engagement while maintaining accuracy, ethical and professional standards.

Participants also examined the risks associated with digital tools, including misinformation, inaccurate content, privacy concerns, and the importance of verification before publication.

Practical Training and Hands-On Experience.

A major highlight of the workshop was the practical learning component.

Participants worked in groups to test various digital tools for content editing, story development, research support, and organizational communication. The exercises encouraged participants to think critically about how these Generative AI tools can complement, rather than replace, human judgment and editorial oversight.

Journalists explored ways to improve newsroom workflows while civil society organizations discussed how technology could support advocacy campaigns, project reporting, community outreach, and stakeholder engagement.

The sessions generated lively discussions as participants shared experiences from their respective organizations and identified opportunities for future adoption.

Growing Demand for Digital Capacity Building.

One of the strongest messages emerging from the workshop was the growing appetite for digital skills training among journalists and civic actors.

Participants identified opportunities for collaboration and proposed the establishment of an AI Hub for journalists and civic media practitioners in Iringa. The proposed hub would serve as a platform for continuous learning, peer support, mentorship and knowledge exchange on emerging technologies.

At the same time, participants highlighted several challenges, including limited access to training opportunities, the cost of some digital tools, connectivity barriers in certain regions, and the need for stronger organizational guidelines to support responsible use.

The high number of applications received for the workshop compared to the available spaces demonstrated the increasing demand for such learning opportunities across Tanzania’s media and civil society sectors.

Looking Ahead.

Participants recommended expanding future training to reach more journalists and civil society representatives across the country. Suggestions included longer workshops, regional follow-up sessions, mentorship opportunities, and the creation of a community of practice to encourage continued learning and collaboration.

There was also strong support for helping organizations develop internal policies and guidelines that promote responsible and effective use of digital technologies.

As the workshop concluded, participants left with new knowledge, practical skills, and stronger networks that will help them navigate an increasingly digital information landscape.

For DA4TI, the training marked another important step in supporting journalists and civil society organizations to embrace innovation while safeguarding accuracy, accountability, and public trust.

WORKSHOP PHOTOS.