Context
Disinformation is the deliberate dissemination of falsehoods with the aim of manipulating public opinion and political decisions. Digital platforms allow for faster, more globalised and cheaper dissemination of disinformation.
Local and global actors and networks also frequently use disinformation campaigns in Africa to exacerbate social polarisation, disrupt democratic interaction and deliberately undermine trust in institutions.
Alongside domestic and geopolitical objectives, disinformation is increasingly driven by economic incentives. Inadequate regulation of the digital space, insufficient media competencies, and a lack of quality journalism all play a role in this respect.
Objective
The handling of disinformation in selected African countries is improved.
Approach
The project supports central stakeholders in government, civil society and the media in Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and Chad to help them strengthen media integrity and improve their response to disinformation. A whole-of-society approach is used with the aim of including all groups. In selected countries in the Sahel region, the project supports media-based approaches that strengthen social cohesion.
The project focuses on four areas:
(1) analysis of disinformation flows at national and regional level,
(2) creation of fact-based and reliable media content,
(3) raising awareness among the population and promoting media literacy, for example through creative projects, training and
(4) dialogue, peer learning and support for reforms to improve the regulatory environment.
(5) strengthening resilience and social cohesion through media-based approaches in the Sahel region.
The project supports the improvement of framework conditions. It does not influence content or narratives. Journalistic independence is maintained at all times.
The project is co-financed by the EU. It works with the dw Akademie, Code for Africa", the African fact-checking network Africacheck and the Ivorian NGO "Resilience for Peace", among others.