Disinformation campaigns in Africa have seen a significant surge since 2022, with nearly four times as many documented cases reported. This rise in intentional efforts to distort information for political gain has had destabilizing and antidemocratic consequences across the continent. The proliferation of disinformation poses a fundamental challenge to stable and prosperous African societies, impacting rights, freedoms, and security.
The link between the scope of disinformation and instability is evident, with actors driving sophisticated attacks taking advantage of the rapid expansion of digital communications in Africa. The continent has seen a significant increase in social media users, with over 400 million active users and 600 million internet users. Countries like Nigeria and Kenya, where social media consumption is high, also report the most concern about false and misleading information.
Disinformation campaigns have targeted every region of Africa, with at least 39 countries being subjected to specific campaigns. The impact is particularly severe in conflict-ridden countries, where disinformation levels are much higher, highlighting the connection between instability and intentional misinformation. Foreign state-sponsored campaigns, with Russia, China, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar as primary sponsors, make up nearly 60% of all disinformation campaigns on the continent.
Russia stands out as the primary purveyor of disinformation in Africa, sponsoring 80 documented campaigns targeting more than 22 countries. These campaigns have reached millions of users through coordinated fake pages and posts, undermining democracy and contributing to the continent’s backsliding on democratic progress. African elections provide prime opportunities for disinformation, with Russia and China leading Africa-wide campaigns to shape narratives and influence outcomes.
In West Africa, Russia has inundated countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger with disinformation, promoting military coups and undermining democratic processes. The region is the most targeted by disinformation, with nearly half of the attacks connected to Russia. Military juntas and militant Islamist groups also play a significant role in spreading misinformation in West Africa, further destabilizing the region.
East Africa has seen a rise in domestically originating disinformation campaigns, with Sudan and Kenya being the most affected countries. Sudan, in particular, has been swamped by conflicting claims from different sides of the conflict, creating a dangerous environment for civilians. Central Africa has also faced challenges, with UN peacekeeping missions being targeted by disinformation campaigns, leading to violent protests and further conflict.
In North Africa, Russia has carved out a significant space in the information environment, with Egypt emerging as a hub for spreading Russian narratives in the region. Domestic disinformation targeting opposition political actors and pro-democracy activists has been documented in each North African country, further complicating political landscapes.
Overall, the surge in disinformation campaigns in Africa poses a significant threat to stability, democracy, and security across the continent. Addressing this challenge requires a concerted effort to combat intentional misinformation and protect the information systems of African societies.
