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Created in 2000 by Fondation Hirondelle, Radio Ndeke Luka is the most listened-to radio station in the Central African Republic. The station broadcasts live 24/7 in French and Sango through around a dozen FM transmitters, and partners with around 10 community radio stations. It is also available on Canal+ Afrique and social media.
For 25 years, Radio Ndeke Luka has aimed to fulfil a public service function, helping to resolve daily problems and vital issues in
a country confronted with crises and governance challenges. With its team of around a hundred people, the station produces and broadcasts a range of content including 13 daily news bulletins, debates, educational shows, entertainment, music and current affairs
programmes.
Financial volume 2024
2 184 704 CHF
Sources of funding
- European Union
- Switzerland (Project contribution)
- Switzerland (SDC – Core contribution)
- Communication Partnership Contracts
- UNICEF
Key figures for 2024
53,000 followers on social media
3,2 millions weekly
listeners
(2024)
120 media professionals trained
10 radio station partners
2 broadcast languages
8,790 hours of broadcasting per year
Context
Political tensions and the economic and social crisis have continued to fuel an unstable security situation in the Central African Republic. In this fragile context, the role of the independent media is essential in helping to bring about lasting peace and reconciliation, both at national level and at local and community level. However, the Central African media sector, characterised by its technical and economic fragility, is highly exposed to the risks of geopolitical manipulation and to the wave of disinformation that the country is facing.
Reliable news: a vehicle for social cohesion and peace in CAR
Faced with these complex challenges, Radio Ndeke Luka (RNL) and its radio partners have developed an information and dialogue programme that takes account of the changing political and security context and the needs of the population in terms of reconciliation and recovery.RNL has placed the focus on local news, giving communities a voice and establishing the link between decisions taken in Bangui and their impact on the country’s regions. It covers topics ranging from issues of national significance (reconciliation processes, sustainable peace) to the day-today concerns of Central Africans (access to basic social services, mobility, minority issues).
Editorial, technical, and management teams at RNL and its partner radio stations received training throughout the year: 70% of managers were trained in leadership and
management skills, and 85% of correspondents benefited from ongoing training in radio journalism.
In 2025, Radio Ndeke Luka (RNL) is pursuing its efforts to guarantee all Central Africans access to reliable, independent and accessible information that favours coexistence and
peacebuilding. Thanks to its efforts, citizens are developing an understanding of the issues and of the democratic and electoral processes, the national media landscape is strengthened, and the media is taking an active role in countering disinformation. In order to foster a culture of fact-checked news among Central Africans, media education strategies are being implemented to counter fake news and hate speech.
To find out more about our work to counter misinformation and disinformation, visit our dedicated page.
RNL produces its news and discussion programmes daily and is committed to covering all of the country’s news. In order to work as closely as possible with communities, journalists travel and produce programmes in the field. A dedicated team produces specific media education and fact-checking contents.
RNL is expanding its digital strategy through various channels, including WhatsApp, with new formats being developed to meet the needs of its diverse audiences.
The legal and institutional framework for media in the Central African Republic is being strengthened, and media professionals are receiving support and capacity-building.
RNL’s editorial team receives skills training on subjects such as the production of new digital formats, investigative journalism, and coverage of the electoral process ahead of the December 2025 presidential election.
Priorities
- Providing reliable information as close as possible to communities
- Developing its digital strategy
- Media literacy strategy
- Support the entire media landscape
Activities
- 24/7 broadcasting in French and Sango
- Training for RNL journalists
- Capacity building (editorial, technical and management) for partner media outlets along with strengthening the institutional and legal framework for media in the Central African Republic
Our impact
With a 72% cumulative audience reach, Radio Ndeke Luka (RNL) is the country’s main radio station and the only Central African media outlet that produces and broadcasts independent, professional news in French and Sango throughout the country. RNL listeners are very attached to the station, and 91% consider its programmes to be useful or even essential (Immar 2022 audience survey).
Testimonials
“I trust RNL news 100% because it’s reliable, truthful and fact-checked.”
Listener from the Mboko area in january 2025.
“From now on, I’m going to check all news before sharing it”
Adèle Pelé, vendor at Bouboui market in Mobaye.