Independent Media for Public Accountability in Zimbabwe (IMPAZ)
Media professionals in Zimbabwe face restrictions with regards to financial resources, operating environment and capacities to engage citizens to hold duty bearers effectively to account. Switzerland’s contribution to two local media organisations will support investigative reporting, sustainability strategies for media houses and the safety of journalists, thereby investing both in media houses’ institutional capacities as well as improved access to information and freedom of media in Zimbabwe.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Zimbabwe |
Governance
Media & freedom of information
Democratic participation and civil society |
01.07.2026
- 30.06.2029 |
CHF 3’100’000
|
- Foreign private sector South/East
- Media in Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe, Centre for Technology & Innovation (CITE)
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Media and free flow of information
Democratic participation and civil society
Cross-cutting topics The project also supports partner organisation improvements
Aid Type Mandate without fiduciary fund
Project and programme contribution
Project number 7F11533
| Background |
Zimbabwe’s media sector operates within a complex political, legal and economic environment that continues to constrain freedom of expression and access to information. While the 2013 Constitution guarantees these rights, significant challenges remain, including limited capacity to use these provisions and persistent reluctance by public institutions to disclose information. At the same time, watchdog journalism often remains episodic and event-driven, exposing corruption without linking it to systemic governance failures, which limits meaningful social accountability. Restrictive laws, arrests of journalists, and economic pressures further contribute to selfcensorship, declining investigative depth and reduced public trust. Yet, a digitally connected and civically engaged population, particularly youth, highlights the potential for stronger participation. Strengthening the safety, sustainability and professional capacity of independent media, alongside more systems-oriented reporting, is therefore essential to promote transparency, accountability and informed citizen participation in Zimbabwe. |
| Objectives | To strengthen public accountability, access to information and freedom of expresssion in Zimbabwe by enhancing the sustainability, professionalism and investigative capacity of the media sector. |
| Target groups | Journalists and media practitioners, including investigative and community journalists; independent media outlets and community radio stations; journalism educators, students and earlycareer journalists; civil society organisations and community-based organisations; citizens and local authorities |
| Medium-term outcomes |
1) Journalists and media organisations contribute to a more enabling environment for inclusive development and freedom of expression 2) Enhanced financial sustainability and investigative capacities of public-interest media outlets 3) Increased opportunities for citizens to access information and engage in local governance processes |
| Results |
Expected results: • 1 information ecosystem audit report produced to support media policy and system improvements • 16 investigative stories, with at least 8 triggering public debate or institutional response, supported. • 365 stories annually (minimum 1 per day), production of 6 explainer videos, and achievement of at least 500,000 weekly reach and 2 million monthly impressions, increasing public access to governance and accountability information. • 36 livestreamed council meetings across 6 local authorities • 200 digital and public engagements and generation of at least 20 public commitments or official responses from authorities • 6 journalism and digital media trainings organized. Results from previous phases: • 259 journalists and editors (133 m, 126 f) trained on investigative journalism, digital safety, security, and fact-checking in 2024 • 143 public officials (95 m, 48 f) trained on Freedom of information act compliance in 2024 • Community based organizations and journalists supported to file 11 direct information requests to public institutions in 2024 • Monthly revenue grew from USD 200 or less to between USD 3,500 and 4,000 for two supported media houses (2023-2026) • MoU signed between the Centre for Technology and Innovation (CITE) and Bulawayo City Council to train young people at council youth centres in digital skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Media and Information Literacy (MIL) • CITE investigative story on mining in the Mavhuradonha Wilderness area triggered official public statement by the National Musuems and Monuments of Zimbabwe. |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Project partners |
Contract partner International or foreign NGO Private sector |
| Coordination with other projects and actors | Local Governance Project (LOGO360), Diverse Pathways for Peace Project (DP4P), Peace Support Project (PSP) |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 3’100’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 0 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 3’100’000 |
| Project phases | Phase 1 01.07.2026 - 30.06.2029 (Current phase) |
