The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) has unveiled a new continental publication, A Practical Guide to Reporting Just Transition in Africa, aimed at strengthening the capacity of African journalists and newsrooms to report accurately, ethically and effectively on climate change and its impact on workers, communities and economies.
The Guide was unveiled during the conference on African Workers’ Contribution to Energy Sovereignty, Green Industrialisation and a Common African Position for COP31, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 5–7, 2026.
The publication provides journalists with practical skills, specialised knowledge and reporting tools to cover critical issues including climate justice, climate finance, renewable energy, workers’ rights, sustainable development and the future of work.
Related Stories
Presenting the Guide to participants, FAJ President Omar Faruk described just transition as one of the most important public-interest journalism issues of the time, given its implications for jobs, livelihoods, workers’ rights and the future of African economies.
He noted that Africa and its people are among those most affected by a climate crisis they did little to create, making a just transition essential to achieving a fairer and more sustainable future.
“Journalists are at the heart of that journey, helping people understand the opportunities, challenges and choices that come with just transition,” Faruk said, adding that the Guide would equip journalists with the knowledge and practical tools to report accurately, fairly and responsibly.
He said the publication would also help strengthen journalism that informs the public, amplifies the voices of workers and communities, and ensures that African perspectives contribute meaningfully to national, continental and global climate discussions.
Guide responds to reporting gaps
Chairperson of the FAJ Working Group on Climate Change, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, said the publication was informed by FAJ’s engagement with journalists and trade unions across Africa.
He observed that although interest in just transition reporting is growing, many journalists continue to face challenges in accessing specialised knowledge and reliable reporting resources.
“Climate change is one of the most complex and high-stakes stories of our time,” Nasralla said, explaining that the Guide was developed to bridge this knowledge gap and promote accurate, ethical and evidence-based reporting that reflects African realities, voices and solutions.
Workers must not be left behind
Deputy President of ITUC-Africa, Comrade Rose Omamo, welcomed the publication, stressing that workers need clear information about how the transition to greener economies will affect their jobs and livelihoods.
She said the Guide would not only help journalists explain these changes but would also support trade unions in communicating more effectively with their members.
Omamo described the publication as an important organising tool for trade unions, stressing the need to ensure that workers have opportunities to reskill and upskill as economies transition towards cleaner energy and greener industries.
She urged journalists and trade unions to actively use the Guide rather than allow it to remain unused.
“This Guide therefore should not be kept on the shelves to gather dust; it must be utilised to tell the African story not only on the continent but even beyond the continent.”
Stronger media–labour collaboration needed
ITUC-Africa General Secretary Akhator Joel Odigie commended FAJ for producing the Guide and called for stronger collaboration between journalists and trade unions to ensure that workers’ concerns receive greater public attention and influence policy discussions.
He observed that although trade unions are engaged in important work, their stories and perspectives are often underreported.
Odigie said improved media coverage of just transition issues would strengthen public understanding, encourage governments to develop policies that protect workers and affected communities, and contribute to a fairer transition.
He also called for greater recognition of outstanding journalism on just transition across Africa, noting that quality reporting on the issue deserves visibility and recognition.
Practical resource for African journalists
Developed by African journalists with contributions from experts in climate policy, labour and media, the Guide features practical reporting techniques, case studies and ethical guidance for covering the complex issues surrounding Africa’s transition to sustainable and low-carbon economies.
It addresses areas including climate justice, climate finance, renewable energy, workers’ rights, information integrity and sustainable development, while placing African experiences and perspectives at the centre of the reporting process.
The publication builds on FAJ’s sustained engagement on climate journalism and responds to growing demand among African journalists for practical reporting resources tailored to the continent’s realities.
The Guide has been published in English, French and Portuguese and will be distributed through FAJ-affiliated journalists’ unions and media organisations across Africa. Digital editions will also be made freely available to expand access among journalists and newsrooms.
The production of the Guide was funded by Mondiaal FNV, the international solidarity organisation of the Dutch trade union movement (FNV), in support of stronger trade union engagement on climate justice, decent work and the just transition.
