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Hello, I’m Joost Bastmeijer, an international journalist, communications specialist, and visual storyteller with more than eight years of experience covering politics, conflict, human rights, and press freedom across Sub-Saharan Africa. I served as Africa correspondent for de Volkskrant, working directly with international media outlets, managing breaking news workflows, and translating complex developments into clear reporting. I thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, with a strong editorial judgment, accuracy, and rapid response. I’m skilled in media relations, multimedia production, strategic communications, and OSINT-based verification, and I have a deep commitment to independent journalism and press freedom.…Hello, I’m Joost Bastmeijer, an international journalist, communications specialist, and visual storyteller with more than eight years of experience covering politics, conflict, human rights, and press freedom across Sub-Saharan Africa. I served as Africa correspondent for de Volkskrant, working directly with international media outlets, managing breaking news workflows, and translating complex developments into clear reporting. I thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, with a strong editorial judgment, accuracy, and rapid response. I’m skilled in media relations, multimedia production, strategic communications, and OSINT-based verification, and I have a deep commitment to independent journalism and press freedom.

Joost B.

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Hello, I’m Joost Bastmeijer, an international journalist, communications specialist, and visual storyteller with more than eight years of experience covering politics, conflict, human rights, and press freedom across Sub-Saharan Africa. I served as Africa correspondent for de Volkskrant, working directly with international media outlets, managing breaking news workflows, and translating complex developments into clear reporting. I thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, with a strong editorial judgment, accuracy, and rapid response. I’m skilled in media relations, multimedia production, strategic communications, and OSINT-based verification, and I have a deep commitment to independent journalism and press freedom.…Hello, I’m Joost Bastmeijer, an international journalist, communications specialist, and visual storyteller with more than eight years of experience covering politics, conflict, human rights, and press freedom across Sub-Saharan Africa. I served as Africa correspondent for de Volkskrant, working directly with international media outlets, managing breaking news workflows, and translating complex developments into clear reporting. I thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, with a strong editorial judgment, accuracy, and rapid response. I’m skilled in media relations, multimedia production, strategic communications, and OSINT-based verification, and I have a deep commitment to independent journalism and press freedom.

Available to hire

Hello, I’m Joost Bastmeijer, an international journalist, communications specialist, and visual storyteller with more than eight years of experience covering politics, conflict, human rights, and press freedom across Sub-Saharan Africa. I served as Africa correspondent for de Volkskrant, working directly with international media outlets, managing breaking news workflows, and translating complex developments into clear reporting.

I thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, with a strong editorial judgment, accuracy, and rapid response. I’m skilled in media relations, multimedia production, strategic communications, and OSINT-based verification, and I have a deep commitment to independent journalism and press freedom.

Skills

Photo

Copywriting

Experience Level

Photo

Expert

Copywriting

Expert

Language

Dutch

Fluent

English

Fluent

French

Advanced

Work Experience

Africa Correspondent at de Volkskrant

January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2026

Covered breaking news, political developments, conflict, elections, and human rights across Africa; reported from high-risk environments under tight deadlines; conducted interviews with journalists, activists, diplomats, and political actors; produced accessible reporting for print and digital formats; contributed photography and multimedia storytelling; monitored regional developments and coordinated coverage for fast-moving events.

Freelance Correspondent & Photographer at Independent / Freelance

January 1, 2017 - Present

Reported from 26 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa for international outlets including The Guardian, The New York Times, Al Jazeera, El País, Der Spiegel, The Economist, and Trouw; produced reporting, photography, and visual storytelling on politics, migration, conflict, press freedom, and social issues; built an extensive network of journalists and sources; collaborated with international editorial teams; worked with NGOs in Nairobi on storytelling, communications, and media-related projects; verified visual content and source material using OSINT techniques.

Editorial Coordinator & Senior Copywriter at MENDO

January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2020

Wrote, edited, and coordinated editorial content for internationally distributed photography publications; managed editorial workflows involving writers, photographers, designers, and publishers; ensured editorial accuracy and quality across multilingual and multimedia projects; produced audience-focused content and promotional copy.

Content Manager at Charlie's Travels (Nairobi)

January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2018

Led multimedia content production including articles, photography, video, newsletters, and social media; developed storytelling and communications strategies for international audiences; coordinated digital publishing workflows and audience engagement.

Coordinator Online Video at NPO Radio 1

January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2017

Built and coordinated an online video unit within a live national news environment; managed fast-turnaround editorial production and publishing workflows; worked closely with journalists, presenters, and editors to deliver timely multimedia content.