Whilst the conditions for journalism remain particularly challenging in Cameroon, La Voix du Centre has been awarded Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) certification, marking a significant step forward in strengthening its journalistic practices. As the third such certification in the country, this achievement reflects the growing interest in JTI in Cameroon and across the region.
“We are delighted to announce a new JTI certification in Cameroon. Through this initiative, La Voix du Centre reaffirms its commitment to quality journalism, transparency and editorial accountability, in an environment where these principles are more essential than ever.”
Benjamin Sabbah, Director of the Journalism Trust Initiative
“Achieving JTI certification is a proud recognition of our commitment: to provide you, day after day, with reliable, independent news that is rooted in the realities of our region. Thank you for trusting La Voix du Centre.”
Emmanuel Ekouli, Editor-in-Chief, La Voix du Centre
A strong commitment in a pressured media environment
In Cameroon, the conditions surrounding the practice of journalism remain a cause for concern. Following Paul Biya’s re-election in late 2025, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) had already warned of continuing violations of press freedom. Journalists are regularly exposed to violence, threats and arbitrary arrests.
Access to information also remains limited, in the absence of a legal framework guaranteeing the transparency of public institutions. In its latest World Press Freedom Index, RSF ranks Cameroon 133rd, 2 points lower than in 2025, illustrating the persistent challenges facing the media sector in the country.
Emmanuel Ekouli states that “politically speaking, the country remains a difficult environment for journalists who wish to work freely and objectively. Our main challenge remains access to sources.”
In this context, JTI certification serves as a key driver for strengthening journalistic practices. La Voix du Centre has undertaken a rigorous assessment of its editorial processes. “We have made a fundamental change to our working methods, notably by adopting a code of ethics and establishing a fully operational editorial board,” explains Ekouli. This approach enables the media outlet to enhance the rigour of its news coverage, the management of its sources and the transparency of its practices, for the benefit of the public.
A turning point for information reliability
JTI was developed in 2019 as an ISO-type international standard by 130 experts from media outlets, media regulators, media associations, and digital platforms. They defined the criteria for transparency, independence, and ethics necessary for an industry standard applicable to all types of information sources. The idea of designing a self-regulatory mechanism relevant to all information sources worldwide came from the press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders, based in Paris.
The JTI certification process consists of three stages. First, presentation of the standard via the JTI platform. Second, self-assessment by the media. Finally, there is an optional certification audit. More than 2,450 media outlets in 131 countries use JTI. 1,460 are currently undergoing self-assessment, 830 have published their transparency reports, and 140 have obtained JTI certification following an audit.
In Cameroon, around 30 media outlets are currently involved in the JTI process. Among them, DataCameroun, a general news website specialising in data journalism and investigative journalism, and Intégration, a general news publication, obtained their certification in 2025, reflecting a growing commitment to structuring the sector around high standards.Across the continent, more than 800 media outlets in sub-Saharan Africa are participating in this initiative, and around 20 of them have so far obtained JTI certification, including, most recently, the newspaper The Capri Vision in Namibia and the digital media outlet Ivoire Check in Ivory Coast.
