Investigative journalism is crucial in unveiling matters of public interest that would otherwise remain concealed, and in this way it plays a key role of informing the public and holding governments, businesses and organisations accountable. Through investigative journalism, often characterised by time-intensive, costly and highly risky operations, many cases of corruption have been revealed. The emergence of the COVID -19 pandemic has impacted on many aspects of the global economy and system including the work of investigative journalists. It’s sudden, unprecedented, global and deadly effects has warranted often emergency responses and have posed great challenges and corruption risks in attempts to curb it. This panel discussion is aimed at unpacking how the pandemic has impacted on investigative journalism. During this panel, the panelists will discuss among many other issues the following broad questions;

- How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted investigative journalism and its ability to expose corruption?

- What are the case examples, trends and patterns of corruption linked to the pandemic?

- What are the personal experiences of journalists doing investigative journalism during the pandemic?

- What are the threats to investigative journalism & journalists post COVID-19, and what are the impacts?

Moderator: Anthony Mills - FRANCE 24 Correspondent and Communications Consultant

Speakers:

Aubrey Belford - Eastern Partnership Editor for the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)

Joel Konopo - Investigative Journalist and Co-Founder of INK Centre for Investigative Journalism in Botswana

Khadija Sharife - Award-winning Investigative Journalist and Senior Editor for Africa at OCCRP