Chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi, Golden Matonga, has been elected to the Network Committee of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), becoming the only African member on the influential global leadership body.

Matonga—who also serves as Managing Partner at the Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ)—joins a distinguished group of investigative journalism leaders trusted with overseeing ICIJ’s sprawling global network of more than 280 reporters across over 100 countries.

The Network Committee plays a crucial role in upholding editorial standards, shaping collaborative cross-border reporting, and ensuring the success of ICIJ’s major investigations across Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.

Speaking to Zodiak Online after his election, Matonga said he was deeply honored.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be elected to the leadership of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) as a member of its Network Committee. The Committee is responsible for supervising ICIJ’s global community of journalists, maintaining standards and ensuring the success of its mammoth cross-border investigations," Matonga said. "I look forward to working with fellow members and supporting colleagues from the African continent and beyond in their partnership with ICIJ.”

Widely regarded as one of Malawi’s leading investigative journalists, Matonga has been central to exposing corruption and advancing accountability journalism in the country.

PIJ founder Gregory Gondwe described the election as a milestone for both Matonga and Malawi, saying it reflects “the trust the global journalism community places in his work and Malawi’s growing footprint in international investigative reporting.”

ICIJ Executive Director Gerard Ryle also praised the newly elected Committee, noting that it reflects the strength and diversity of the network behind major global exposés such as the Pulitzer Prize–winning Panama Papers and the recent Coin Laundry investigation into crypto- and casino-linked crime.

The new leadership team will be chaired by Edouard Perrin of Forbidden Stories (France), with Hala Nasreddine of Draj Media (Lebanon) and Yasuomi Sawa of Waseda University (Japan) serving as Co-Chairs.