Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of journalism in Rwanda, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and audience engagement. However, this technological shift also presents significant challenges, including concerns about job security for journalists and the integrity of news reporting.
AI is now being actively utilized in Rwandan newsrooms to accelerate content creation and streamline operations, leading to faster and more cost-effective production for media companies. Its capabilities extend to writing short news stories, conducting deep research, generating large amounts of data in seconds, and translating articles into Kinyarwanda, English, and French.
This multilingual capacity and rapid content generation help news platforms to attract and retain wider audiences. Furthermore, AI tools are being employed to suggest personalized articles to readers, enhancing user experience and engagement.
Challenges and concerns in the newsroom
Despite the clear benefits, the integration of AI is not without its drawbacks. A primary concern revolves around job displacement, as AI increasingly takes over simple, repetitive tasks such as writing basic news updates or performing grammar checks—roles traditionally handled by entry-level journalists. This development has left some young journalists worried about their future careers in the industry.
Olive Ntete, a news anchor at RBA, shared a cautious perspective on AI’s role: “AI should not be fully trusted. Journalists still need to think for themselves, and AI only gives what you ask. It doesn’t think or decide for you. It can help improve your writing, but it can’t tell the full story on its own.”
Even more concerning is the malicious use of AI to create deceptive content. The rise of fake photos, videos, and fabricated news reports, commonly known as deepfakes, poses a severe threat to journalistic integrity and public trust.
“AI is blurring the line between fact and fabrication, challenging the integrity of real journalism. While it speeds up content creation, it risks diluting credibility,” said Derrick Muhangi, a Producer and Business Journalist at CNBC Africa.
Beyond the threat of misinformation, there are broader fears about fairness and ethics in AI-generated content. Critics warn that AI-produced narratives often lack the emotional depth, cultural understanding, and nuanced perspective that human journalists bring to their stories, potentially leading to a more homogenized and less empathetic form of reporting.
The path forward: responsible AI integration
In light of these opportunities and challenges, there is a growing consensus on the need for responsible AI adoption in Rwandan journalism. Olive Ntete advises journalists: “Your voice and style are important. Write in your own way, then use AI to make it better if need be. It’s a tool to help you, not to replace you.”
Dylan Mugenga, a reporter at The New Times, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the irreplaceable human element: “At some point, AI risks replacing human judgment, ethics, and the critical thinking required for quality journalism, rather than simply accelerating productivity.”
It is imperative that journalism students and professionals in Rwanda learn how to use AI responsibly, without compromising the fundamental importance of human critical thinking, ethical considerations, and robust reporting skills.
Derrick Muhangi further stressed the collective responsibility: “We must invest in media literacy, strengthen editorial standards, and ensure human oversight remains central to the journalistic process.”
As AI continues to evolve within Rwandan journalism, it brings forth both immense opportunities and serious challenges. The future of the profession hinges on how wisely journalists leverage this powerful tool. Without careful consideration and ethical application, there is a risk of losing the essential qualities that define trustworthy and impactful journalism.
