In the heart of Southern and East Africa, a new wave of storytelling is taking root. From satirical puppet shows to podcasts amplifying women’s voices, the region’s young creatives are finding bold, fearless ways to speak truth to power—just in time for pivotal national elections.

This movement recently took shape through the Digital Democracy Akademy – a series of dynamic regional bootcamps hosted by Magamba Network in Malawi and Tanzania. Under the banner of its groundbreaking News Factory and Storython programs, the initiative set out to empower creative organisations with the skills, strategy, and safety frameworks needed to create socially impactful content in politically charged environments.

Malawi: A Creative Spark Ignited

In Malawi, the Digital Democracy Akademy brought fresh energy to two buzzing hubs: Zaluso Arts and Wona Creatives.Zaluso Arts dove into the News Factory bootcamp, sharpening their satirical edge to produce a newsroom-style show that echoes the influence of The Daily Show and Magamba’s own The Week.

Their upcoming series, set to debut in June 2025, promises a weekly dose of biting wit and bold commentary on current affairs. Meanwhile, Wona Creatives were part of our Storython event – focused on elevating grassroots voices through podcasting. Their new series is amplifying women leaders championing social justice in their communities, a critical narrative in the lead-up to Malawi’s election season.

“The key thing for me is that this sort of training makes sure we make our content in an African context. This is because we don’t have a lot of references from across Africa and it’s nice to see that shows like ours can have the same impact as The Week”

Miko – Zaluso Arts

Tanzania: Puppets, Politics, and Radio Rebellion

Across the border in Tanzania, two more creative powerhouses stepped up: Kajiji Works and Midundo Radio.

Kajiji Works, recipients of the Storython bootcamp, are crafting a puppet-based satire series that gives youth a voice in democracy. Centered on the theme “Voting Power is in the Hands of the People,” their main episode and accompanying shorts blend humour with hard truths about civic participation.

Midundo Radio, a vibrant community and online broadcaster, is developing a News Factory satire mini-series that lays bare the manipulative tactics of political elites—from vote-buying to empty rallies. It’s a clever media format that holds a mirror to society, asking hard questions with a sharp edge.

“The general discussion on satire is something I am looking forward to condensing into our radio show in a way that resonates with our content”

Theo – Midundo Radio

Building a Movement, Not Just Media

The vibe across all the bootcamps? Electric. Participants lauded the fresh tools, new perspectives, and hands-on learning, especially on risk assessment and responsible media-making in volatile environments. Many called for longer training and deeper collaboration, not only with Magamba but also with experts from partners like Radio Factory and Buni Media.

These creative labs are more than workshops—they’re the seeds of a growing movement. As Malawi and Tanzania gear up for elections, these youth-led initiatives are already laying the groundwork for more informed, engaged, and courageous young civic communities ready to demand their rights!

In a world where the media is often manipulated by the powerful, this new generation is reclaiming it—one story, one joke and one soundbite at a time.