Changing the story to change the system
In an era where disinformation and polarization distort public understanding worldwide, ZAM presents African independent, public-interest storytelling that exposes systems of kleptocracy, challenges exploitation and defends free expression.
ZAM is a transnational media platform publishing from the Netherlands. We amplify the work of African journalists, artists and thinkers who confront entrenched inequality and map out a new shared future for Africa and Europe. By connecting African and diaspora voices with European publics, we build informed, inspirational, justice-driven conversation across borders.
Rooted in the anti-apartheid movements of the 1980’s, we exist today to disrupt Western stereotypes and support African efforts to counter neo-colonialism. We stand in solidarity with forces on both continents that resist oppression and strive for democratic justice.
ZAM platforms the work of African journalists, artists and thinkers because changing the story is part of changing a system of inequality and extraction. We believe that informed, justice-driven conversation between the continents is essential for building Africa and Europe’s shared future
As global powers revert to blatant imperialism, ZAM brings the other story. Our investigative reporting, cultural production and future-crafting programmes not only shift prevailing narratives on Africa, but also challenge the ideas through which the West understands itself.
Narrative power shapes political reality. As ZAM designer Phila Hillie puts it, “The power of cultural production is to not only critique systems, but to imagine alternatives that are built by everyone for everyone. What we build now becomes what we inherit tomorrow.”
Our team
Sean Fitzpatrick - Executive Director
Evelyn Groenink - Investigations Editor
ZinhleLi Tshabalala - Project manager
Nyoxani Massive - Outreach and Social Media Editor
Farren van Wyk - Photo & Web Editor
Heidi Thembeka Sincuba - Writer & Copy editor
Alisa Westbroek - Financial administration
Leonie Verburg - Volunteer
Elora Olumuyiwa - Volunteer
Our board
Annelies Verdoolaege - Chair (ad interim)
Dineo Nhlapo - Treasurer Linkedin
Milton van Wyk - Secretary Linkedin
Patrons of the annual ZAM Nelson Mandela Lecture
Femke Halsema (Mayor of Amsterdam)
Conny Braam
Adriaan van Dis
Hennah Draaibaar
Zakes Mda
Marjan Goslings
Mpho Tutu
Clayde Menso
Jerry Afriyie
Ambassador
Boris Dittrich
Contact
ZAM studio: Tussen de Bogen 66, 1013 JB Amsterdam. Map here.
Partners
MO* Magazine, The Continent, Afrique XXI, De Groene Amsterdammer, ITA, De Balie, Africadelic, Designserver, Black Heritage Tours Amsterdam, Sites of Memory, Afrovibes, Global Investigative Journalism Network Africa, Nelson Mandela Foundation, Aké Arts & Books Festival Lagos, Klyntji, Lubumbashi Biennal, NUKU Accra, Parkers Design, Stevenson Gallery, Studio Ruiter Janssen, Uganda Press Photo Award.
Friends of ZAM has the support of generous individuals, artists (Anton Corbijn, Marlene Dumas, Ruan Hoffmann, Patricia Kaersenhout, Zanele Muholi, Berend Strik, Nontsikelelo Veleko), donors and individual supporters.
ANBI
RSIN/fiscaal nummer: 8187.76.547
IBAN: NL16 INGB 0003 6551 77
SWIFT/BIC: INGBNL2A (for international payments)
Bank Address: ING Bank N.V., P.O. 1800, 1000 BV AMSTERDAM
Verslagen van uitgeoefende activiteiten:
Jaarverslag en Jaarrekening 2018
Jaarverslag en Jaarrekening 2019
Jaarverslag en Jaarrekening 2020
Jaarverslag en Jaarrekening 2021
Jaaroverzicht, Jaarverslag & Jaarrekening 2022
Jaarverslag 2023 en Jaarrekening 2023
Jaarverslag 2024 en Jaarrekening 2024