Addressing Electoral Disinformation in Africa: Insights from the MEDIA Project Event
On March 14, 2025, experts, researchers, and stakeholders gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss electoral disinformation and its impact on democracy in Africa. Hosted by the MEDIA Project, supported by Open Society Foundations (OSF), the event served as a platform to discuss challenges, share research findings, and propose solutions to combat disinformation in African elections.
The event began with a presentation of the report titled “Tackling Electoral Disinformation, Information Manipulation and Interference in African Elections.” This report examines key themes, actors, and solutions surrounding electoral disinformation in Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, and South Africa. The presentation highlighted how misinformation has been used as a tool to influence voter perception and disrupt democratic processes across the continent. Speakers provided an overview of the report’s findings, offering critical insights into the spread of disinformation and potential strategies to mitigate its effects.
One of the most engaging sessions of the day was a roundtable discussion on “Elections & Disinformation in Africa”. The conversation focused on the lessons learned from recent election cycles and the best approaches to tackle the challenges posed by electoral disinformation. The panel featured experts from Senegal, Ghana, Namibia, South Africa and Kenya, who explored how misinformation spreads and the critical role of media literacy and fact-checking initiatives in countering false narratives.
Another key highlight of the event was the launch of the “Defending Democracy Playbook”, a collaborative effort between Code for Africa and the MEDiA Project. This initiative aims to equip policymakers, journalists, and civil society with practical tools to identify and combat election-related disinformation. The session emphasised the importance of technological solutions, fact-checking methodologies, and cross-border collaboration in strengthening democratic resilience.
The event concluded with a call to action, urging stakeholders to continue their efforts in addressing electoral disinformation. The discussions reinforced the need for multi-stakeholder engagement, stronger policies, and public awareness campaigns to safeguard electoral integrity in Africa. As misinformation continues to evolve, the MEDiA Project remains committed to fostering informed discourse and promoting transparency in electoral processes.
