The Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, has formally introduced the Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB) to Parliament and announced its plans to begin operations in the 2025/26 fiscal year with a focus on training and professional development.
Speaking in Parliament on May 7, 2025, during the presentation of his Ministry’s budget for the 2025/26 financial year, Minister Kabudi highlighted the Board’s mandate and upcoming activities.
“In accordance with the Media Services Act, Chapter 229, the establishment of the Journalists Accreditation Board has been finalized. I am pleased to inform this honorable House that the Board was officially inaugurated on March 3, 2025, and has commenced its duties,” said Kabudi. “It is chaired by Mr. Tido Mhando, a seasoned and highly respected journalist in the media industry.”
The Minister explained that the Board’s core responsibilities include upholding journalistic ethics, promoting professional standards in news reporting, and overseeing the newly established Journalists Training Fund.
“The Fund is designed to support capacity building for journalists, promote the creation of local content, and facilitate research in journalism and public communication,” he added.
To ensure the effective implementation of these initiatives, the Fund under the management of the Board will also assist journalists in acquiring modern equipment to enhance their ability to produce high-quality local content.
Looking ahead, Minister Kabudi affirmed the government’s continued commitment to strengthening the media sector.
“In the 2025/26 fiscal year, the Ministry will continue to oversee and support the growth of the media industry, ensuring it contributes meaningfully to national development and that Tanzanians have access to accurate, professionally crafted information delivered by qualified journalists,”