Across Africa, misinformation significantly impacts public health, human rights, development, and daily life, leading to severe consequences such as poor policymaking, misdiagnosis, and even violence. The accessibility of smart devices and the rise of social media have exacerbated the spread of misinformation, making it essential to develop robust fact-checking mechanisms. In response, Africa Check proposes a comprehensive fact-checking and verification training programme targeting journalists across the continent over an 18-month period.
The programme, led by Africa Check’s head of education and training Carina van Wyk and Kenya editor Alphonce Shiundu, aims to introduce journalists to verification tools and publicly available data, encourage mentorship and peer learning, and equip them with the necessary skills to produce accurate fact-checking reports. The training will include a series of in-person workshops covering the basics of fact-checking, advanced verification techniques, and content production for different media platforms. Additionally, a mentorship and peer-learning programme will provide personalized guidance through online mentoring sessions.
Africa Check, established in 2012, is a leading independent fact-checking organization in Africa, with a proven track record of debunking false statements and training over 8,000 individuals in fact-checking. The programme’s effectiveness will be monitored through routine tracking, surveys, and evaluations, with interim and final reports provided to Transparency International. By enhancing journalists’ fact-checking skills, the programme aims to improve information quality, strengthen democracy, and foster engaged citizenship across Africa.
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