The Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ) has partnered with Cell Norbert Zongo for Investigative Journalism (CENOZO) towards achieving a more robust practice of investigative journalism in West Africa.

The two investigative journalism organisations revealed this in a press statement jointly signed by Jeff Kelly Lowenstein, the CCIJ founder, and David Dembele, the CENOZO’s board chairman, on Monday.

The collaboration aims to focus on issues such as capacity-building programs for journalists and editors in the West African sub-region, and facilitate transnational investigations.

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CCIJ and CENOZO Announce Partnership to Strengthen Investigative Journalism in West Africa

In a significant move to bolster investigative journalism and enhance media capacity in the West African region, the Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ) and the Cell Norbert Zongo for Investigative Journalism in West Africa (CENOZO) have signed a
memorandum of understanding.

Solidified on August 25, the partnership intends to facilitate joint investigative projects, skill-building initiatives, and the exchange of resources among journalists and editors across the sub-region. Specifically, the accord underscores a commitment to mutual cooperation, with an emphasis on transnational investigations, shared knowledge, training programs, co-publications, and the advancement of journalism activities among their respective members.

By joining forces, CCIJ and CENOZO aim to elevate the standard of investigative journalism by undertaking comprehensive cross-border investigations on topics of common concern. Both organizations pledge to maintain an active and consistent collaboration, seeking to foster excellence in the field and contribute to the establishment of more transparent and equitable societies.

The partnership also aims to foster solidarity between members by promoting shared surveys for publication, thereby maximising the reach and impact of crucial issues. Additionally, the collaboration seeks to identify opportunities for combined funding for cross-border investigative projects and the development of specialised resources catering to investigative journalism.

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The organizations are also set to engage with other entities invested in strengthening investigative journalism across West Africa. This broader cooperation aims to cultivate an environment conducive to press freedom and the promotion of integrity in public affairs.

CCIJ Executive Director Jeff Kelly Lowenstein expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, lauding CENOZO’s integrity and investigative prowess. “I’m excited about what will come from our joint efforts,” Kelly Lowenstein said.

CENOZO Board President David Dembélé emphasized the organizations’ joint commitment to combat corruption and poor governance through a united front: “We know that financial
delinquents and other apostles of bad governance have connections and structures with ramifications far beyond our states. That is why it is important for us to work together to fight every shade and/or appearance of these unhealthy governance practices within our countries, our sub-region, and globally. CENOZO is, therefore, more than excited to join forces with CCIJ to expose and denounce these evil practices with everything we have.”

Established in Burkina Faso in 2015, CENOZO is dedicated to fostering the capacities of investigative journalists through training, mentoring, grants, and networking. Their association welcomes investigative journalists from across West Africa who have demonstrated a dedication to the field.

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CCIJ operates as a non-profit news organisation with a global focus on investigative reporting that leads to accountability and solutions. CCIJ is dedicated to orchestrating and spearheading worldwide investigations with a foundation in strategic mentorship. Its mission revolves around nurturing a form of collaborative journalism that places captivating visual narratives, thorough investigative journalism and cutting-edge data science on equal footing from the beginning of projects. Through this disciplinary synergy, we craft a distinctive narrative approach that shines a spotlight on underreported communities.

The partnership between CCIJ and CENOZO not only promises to elevate the standards of investigative journalism in the West African region but also exemplifies a collaborative approach to addressing issues of corruption, impunity, and governance challenges that transcend national borders.