Mongabay launches Swahili platform to reach 200 million speakers

David Akana, Director of Program at Mongabay Africa, greets journalists during the launch.

Mongabay unveiled the platform during a hybrid event held in Nairobi, drawing nearly 200 participants, including journalists, scientists, conservationists, communicators and representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme.

The event, themed “Truth in the age of noise: Conservation journalism, disinformation and the promise of artificial intelligence,” focused on the growing challenge of misinformation and the role of credible journalism in addressing it.

The government welcomed the move, describing it as a step towards strengthening public access to reliable information.

Principal Secretary in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunication, Stephen Isaboke, said the media must uphold credible, science-based reporting to support informed decision-making.

“In a continent that harbours more than 400 million social media users, this is fertile ground for disinformation. This makes credible journalism more important than ever, in languages that are most understood by communities in cities, informal settlements and the grassroots,” he said in a speech read on his behalf by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Temesi Mukani.

He said platforms that prioritise fact-based reporting and scientific evidence are critical in protecting the integrity of public discourse.

The PS added that the Swahili platform would help widen access to environmental information.

“Language determines who can access knowledge and participate in public conversations. Reporting environmental issues in Swahili, therefore, helps bring science and biodiversity issues to those most affected,” he said.

Mukani said technology and artificial intelligence are already reshaping how information is produced and shared, with both positive and negative effects.

“While artificial intelligence presents risks such as the spread of manipulated or misleading content, it also offers powerful tools of fact checking, translation, data analysis, and wider dissemination of knowledge. When used responsibly, technology can significantly strengthen the quality and reach of environmental reporting,” he said.

Mongabay Africa Director of Programmes David Akana said the move was driven by the need to connect more directly with local audiences.

“While English might be important for us to use in this region, we also recognize that using local languages is even more appropriate, as our communities engage and transact through them more,” he said.

He said the platform would make environmental reporting more accessible to millions of Swahili speakers.

“This new platform is an important step towards making environmental and climate reporting more accessible in one of Africa’s most widely spoken languages. This is aimed at strengthening conversations around nature, conservation, and sustainable development across East Africa,” he said.

Mongabay focuses its reporting on the intersection of people and nature, including biodiversity, climate change, pollution, land degradation and oceans, with a strong emphasis on solutions and accountability.

During the launch, former BBC journalist Ann Ngugi said information only has value if it reaches the people who need it.

She noted that using widely understood languages such as Swahili can help vulnerable communities better prepare for climate-related disasters.

Ngugi also called for the simplification of technical language to ensure it does not become a barrier.

Standard Group Operations Editor Andy Kagwa urged journalists to embrace emerging technologies while maintaining professional standards.

“Even when looking at speed and accuracy, editors and reporters must ensure that whatever we give out to the public is credible,” he said.

He cautioned that while artificial intelligence is shaping modern communication, it also poses risks such as misinformation through manipulated content and fake stories.

Despite this, Kagwa said the core principles of journalism must remain intact, including credibility and the human element in storytelling.

Mongabay now publishes in several languages, including English, Indonesian, Spanish, French, Hindi, Portuguese and Bengali, in addition to the newly launched Swahili platform.