APA-Windhoek (Namibia) Namibia has been bestowed the prestigious Champion of Press Freedom in Africa Award at the 10th International Festival of Freedom of Expression and the Press that ended in Burkina Faso on Monday.
In a statement, Namibia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology acting executive director Roselia Penda said the award was testimony of the southwest African country’s commitment to foster “a positive and enabling environment for freedom of expression and access to information.”
“This Champion of Press Freedom in Africa Award underscores our enduring dedication to the ethos of freedom of expression and that of the press,” Penda said on Monday.
She said Namibia’s “steadfast support for open communication and a free press has not only strengthened our nation’s democracy but also positioned it as a model for many countries in Africa and beyond.”
The award solidifies Namibia’s position as the most media-friendly country on the continent, having maintained a strong position in the Reporters Without Boarders’ Press Freedom Index – ranking at the top in Africa for several years.
The festival, which started on October 18, was held under the theme “Media, Conflict, and Social Cohesion in Africa”.
It took place against the backdrop of heightened challenges, with journalists across the world facing threats and intimidation amid the ongoing political transition.
JN/APA