Poland and Africa Partner to Combat Misinformation in "TruthAfrica" Project
In an era of rampant online misinformation, a unique collaboration has emerged between Poland and Africa to combat harmful narratives targeting both continents. The "TruthAfrica" project, funded by the Polish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, brings together Polish fact-checkers from Pravda and Code for Africa, a pan-African civic technology and data journalism network, to debunk false narratives circulating about Africa and their impact on European audiences.
The project was born from a surge of misinformation observed in Poland concerning Africa, encompassing anti-science vaccine claims, anti-colonialist narratives involving Russia, and anti-immigrant sentiments about refugees. Recognizing the interconnectedness of the digital world and the influence of global narratives on local realities, the project aims to bridge the gap between African and European audiences, fostering collaboration to uphold democratic values and social integrity.
TruthAfrica focuses on investigating narratives that resonate with European audiences while shedding light on critical issues facing Africa. One such narrative explored the belief in Nigeria that COVID-19 was a divine punishment, highlighting the role of religious leaders in spreading misinformation and fueling vaccine hesitancy. Another compelling story investigated the scapegoating of Sudanese refugees for the cost of living crisis in Egypt, illustrating the universal tendency to blame "others" for economic hardship.
The collaborative approach of TruthAfrica leverages the local expertise of African journalists and fact-checkers, ensuring contextually accurate reporting devoid of a Eurocentric perspective. The team employs established fact-checking methodologies, adhering to the Code of Principles while incorporating the DISARM framework to analyze the tactics and motivations behind influence operations. Narrative tracking and impact assessment are also integral parts of their strategy, enabling continuous refinement of counter-disinformation efforts.
Beyond simply publishing fact-checks, TruthAfrica prioritizes public engagement. The team actively disseminates findings to embassies, NGOs, and activists to amplify their impact, stimulate discussions, and drive tangible change. This commitment to outreach and connection-building underscores the project’s dedication to fostering informed public discourse.
Published in English and Polish, TruthAfrica navigates the complex linguistic landscape of both continents by relying on local journalists with deep linguistic and cultural expertise. This ensures accurate interpretation and verification of information within diverse African contexts, addressing the linguistic variations and cultural nuances that can significantly impact research accuracy.
Looking ahead, TruthAfrica aims to showcase the real-world impact of disinformation from an African perspective, a perspective often overlooked in global discussions. The project seeks to highlight Africa’s increasing vulnerability to influence operations and foreign information manipulation. Sustainability is a key goal, and the team plans to explore investigative journalism grounded in fact-checking methodology, consistently collaborating with local partners and African NGOs. By amplifying African voices and perspectives, TruthAfrica endeavors to not only combat harmful narratives but also contribute to a more informed and nuanced understanding of the complex interconnectedness between Africa and Europe in the digital age. Through rigorous fact-checking, in-depth analysis, and proactive engagement, TruthAfrica is working to build bridges of understanding and foster a more informed and resilient information landscape across two continents.