10 Notable African Reporters

Anas Aremeyaw Anas (Ghana)

Most Impactful Work: His numerous undercover investigations, often presented in documentaries like those for Al Jazeera’s “Africa Investigates.”

Short Bio: Anas is a renowned investigative journalist who uses disguise and anonymity to expose corruption, human rights abuses, and criminal activities across Africa. His work often leads to arrests and significant policy changes. He’s known for his “name, shame, and jail” approach.

Jacques Pauw (South Africa)

Most Impactful Work: The President’s Keepers: Those Keeping Zuma in Power and out of Prison (book) and his work for Vrye Weekblad and Special Assignment (SABC).

Short Bio: A veteran South African investigative journalist, Pauw has a long history of exposing government corruption and atrocities, particularly during and after the apartheid era. His book, “The President’s Keepers,” caused a national sensation by detailing allegations of corruption and state capture under former President Jacob Zuma.

Ferial Haffajee (South Africa)

Most Impactful Work: Her editorship of Mail & Guardian and City Press, and her current role at Daily Maverick.

Short Bio: Ferial Haffajee is a highly respected South African journalist and editor. She has held prominent editorial positions at two of South Africa’s most influential newspapers, the Mail & Guardian and City Press, and is currently an Associate Editor at Daily Maverick, known for its hard-hitting investigative journalism. She is a strong advocate for press freedom.

Khadija Sharife (South Africa/International)

Most Impactful Work: Her investigations for the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and contributions to books like “Tax Us If You Can: Why Africa Should Stand Up for Tax Justice.”

Short Bio: An award-winning investigative journalist and senior editor for Africa at OCCRP, Khadija Sharife specializes in illicit financial flows, political economy, and environmental predation. Her work often uncovers complex international corruption networks.

Rafael Marques de Morais (Angola)

Most Impactful Work: His reporting on conflict diamonds and corruption in the Angolan state, often published on his anti-corruption watchdog website, Maka Angola.

Short Bio: Marques de Morais is an internationally recognized Angolan investigative journalist and human rights activist. He has faced significant persecution for his tenacious reporting on corruption within Angola’s government and diamond industry.

Mohamed Ali (Kenya)

Most Impactful Work: His investigative reports for Kenya Television Network (KTN), exposing social ills and corruption.

Short Bio: Mohamed Ali is a prominent Kenyan investigative journalist known for his fearless exposure of drug trafficking, child theft syndicates, and corruption, including extensive reporting on extra-judicial killings by police death squads. His work has often led to threats against his life.

Wanjohi Kabukuru (Kenya)

Most Impactful Work: His correspondent work for New African magazine and articles for Radio France International (RFI) and Mail & Guardian.

Short Bio: Wanjohi Kabukuru is an experienced Kenyan journalist who serves as the Eastern African correspondent for New African, a leading pan-African monthly magazine. He covers a wide range of topics, including politics, environment, and security affairs across the continent.

Ruth First (South Africa – historical)

Most Impactful Work: Her extensive coverage of anti-apartheid movements and her books like 117 Days.

Short Bio: A formidable anti-apartheid activist and journalist, Ruth First was a prominent figure in South African media during the 1940s and 1950s. She edited several progressive newspapers and her work consistently exposed the injustices of the apartheid system. She was assassinated by South African government forces in 1982.

Linda Ikeji (Nigeria)

Most Impactful Work: Her highly popular online platform, Linda Ikeji’s Blog.

Short Bio: Linda Ikeji is a Nigerian media entrepreneur and blogger who pioneered digital news publishing in Nigeria with her blog. What started as a gossip blog has evolved into one of the most visited news and entertainment platforms on the continent, making her a significant influencer in African media.

Annet Mbabazi (Rwanda)

Most Impactful Work: Her work as a radio journalist, winning awards like the OFAB Africa Journalist of the Year.

Short Bio: Annet Mbabazi is a Rwandan radio journalist known for her impactful reporting on agricultural innovations. Her work, which earned her the 2024 OFAB Africa Journalist of the Year award, often focuses on stories that boost output and raise the living standards of local farmers.

Explore More African Top 10 Lists here.