Mongabay Africa presents video investigations at African Investigative Journalism Conference

12 Nov 2025

Four Mongabay Africa journalists shared their experiences during the African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC) 2025, one of the continent’s biggest investigative journalism events. Juliette Chapalain, Multimedia and Fellowship Editor at Mongabay Africa, Elodie Toto and Didier Makal, who are both staff writers for the Africa bureau, and Berdy Pambou, a freelance reporter for the bureau, led sessions dedicated to investigating mining issues in the Congo Basin, revealing details of their reporting processes and challenges faced while conducting video-based investigations during 2024 and 2025.

Under the theme “Investigating Mining Impacts in the Congo Basin: Tips and Behind-the-Scenes of a Video Investigation,” the team showcased three reports filmed across the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the regions of Sangha, Dimonika, and Kolwezi. These investigations document the impacts that mining activities have on biodiversity and community health.

The Mongabay journalists also highlighted the risks involved in covering sensitive environmental issues. “Before each field trip, we conduct a risk assessment and put safety protocols in place,” said editor Chapalain.

“Risk assessment is not a formality, it is an essential step before reporting,” said staff writer Toto, who is also a fellow at the Pulitzer Center’s Rainforest Investigations Network. Makal also emphasized the importance of collaboration among peers to ensure safety and protect sources.

Beyond the two sessions dedicated to Mongabay Africa’s multimedia work, the team also participated in panels led by Nompilo Simanje from IPI Africa, Augustine Kasambule from the Pulitzer Center, and Maxime Koami Domegni from the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN).

AIJC 2025 was also an opportunity for Mongabay Africa journalists to strengthen ties with Mongabay Africa freelancers attending the event, as well as meet with Annela Niamolo, a 2025 Mongabay Africa Environmental Reporting Fellow, who was present as a recipient of a Bellingcat Fellowship, too.

Gathering around 400 journalists from more than 45 countries, the AIJC also offered workshops on responsible and secure use of artificial intelligence, TikTok trends, and new funding models.

Impact

Juliette Chapalain, Elodie Toto, Didier Makal and Berdy Pambou (from left) gave a presentation at AIJC 2025 entitled “Investigating Mining Impacts in the Congo Basin: Tips and Behind-the-Scenes of a Video Investigation.”
Juliette Chapalain, Elodie Toto, Didier Makal and Berdy Pambou (from left) gave a presentation at AIJC 2025 entitled “Investigating Mining Impacts in the Congo Basin: Tips and Behind-the-Scenes of a Video Investigation.” Image courtesy of Moïse Ndayiragije.

Beyond testimonials received, Mongabay’s presence at AIJC 2025 marked the growing strength of environmental journalism across the African media landscape, as it rapidly professionalizes and produces reports that serve as factual evidence in debates on natural resource governance, from the local to national levels.

At the event, the multimedia team was able to share its tangible impacts, from the suspension of illegal mining activities in Dimonika to high level debates on the transparency of gold mining permits in Congo, and an enhanced level of collaboration between researchers, NGOs, and journalists.

By sharing knowledge of their profession at AIJC, Mongabay Africa journalists helped to train a new generation of investigative reporters rooted in the daily reality of local communities, and tackling the environmental issues like those affecting the “new lungs of the world,” the vast rainforests of the Congo Basin.

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Banner image: Mongabay Africa staff writer Elodie Toto (left) makes a point during AIJC 2025, alongside staff writer Didier Makal (center) and Mongabay freelance reporter Berdy Pambou (right). Image courtesy of Leon Sadiki/Wits Centre for Journalism.