The Africa Center for Strategic Studies, based in Washington, has released their latest infographic, titled “Mapping a Surge of Disinformation in Africa”. It speaks about how disinformation targeting Africa has surged nearly fourfold in the past two years—to 189 documented campaigns targeting 39 countries. Sixty percent of these campaigns are foreign sponsored.

It breaks down the scope, actors, tactics, and messages behind these campaigns for each region on the continent. This documentation draws on more than 30 African research, media, and fact-checking organizations, reflecting the growing pushback on the continent to this hijacking of African information spaces.

West Africa stands out as the continent’s most targeted region with 72 disinformation campaigns—half of which are linked to Russia. Countries with military juntas or authoritarian governments experience higher volumes of foreign-sponsored disinformation—underscoring that there is almost always a local political beneficiary of these malign influence operations.

Disinformation Campaigns on the African Continent

Guest: Dr  Mark Duerksen - Strategic Communications Manager

and Research Associate at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies