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Africa’s Information Defenders Unite: Reflections from the 2025 Africa Facts Summit in Senegal
Debunk Media Initiative
Debunk Media Initiative

Africa’s Information Defenders Unite: Reflections from the 2025 Africa Facts Summit in Senegal

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October 6, 2025

When fact-checkers, journalists, and truth advocates from across the continent gathered in Dakar, Senegal, for the 4th Africa Facts Summit (October 1–2, 2025), the energy in the room was electric. It was a powerful reminder that the battle for truth in Africa is far from over.

Hosted by Africa Check and partners, the summit brought together over 200 fact-checkers, media practitioners, and communication experts to confront one of our generation’s most pressing challenges: how to safeguard truth in an era of AI-driven misinformation, political manipulation, and information disorder.

Reclaiming the Information Space

This year’s theme  “Building Collective Resilience Against Disinformation” resonated deeply. Conversations moved beyond identifying falsehoods to addressing why misinformation spreads so fast in fragile democracies, and how fact-checkers can collaborate across borders and languages to restore public trust.

From discussions on AI-generated falsehoods, climate misinformation, and conflict-related propaganda, it was clear that the fight for truth is evolving. Speakers emphasized that the rise of artificial intelligence has amplified both opportunities and threats  empowering fact-checkers with powerful tools while also creating new, more sophisticated forms of deception.

Fact-Checking Meets Art and Innovation

One of the most refreshing aspects of this year’s summit was the creative collaboration with Cartooning for Peace, whose artists brought the sessions to life through powerful illustrations. The exhibition — “Cartooning for Africa Facts” blended humour and critique, using art to communicate the dangers of disinformation in ways that text alone cannot.

It was a reminder that fighting falsehoods isn’t just about algorithms and verification tools — it’s also about culture, creativity, and connection.

Debunk Media Initiative at the Summit

As Debunk Media Initiative, we were honoured to be part of this transformative gathering. For us, the summit reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and local context in building credible information ecosystems.

Our participation strengthened our resolve to:

  • Invest more in youth-led fact-checking and media literacy projects across Uganda.

  • Explore AI-powered verification tools that can help detect false narratives faster.

  • Work with regional partners to amplify verified information beyond language and national borders.

We left Dakar inspired and reminded that truth-telling is not a solitary act, but a collective movement.

Honouring Africa’s Truth Champions

The summit concluded with the prestigious African Fact-Checking Awards 2025, celebrating journalists and fact-checkers whose work exposed falsehoods, held power accountable, and defended democracy. It was uplifting to see the growing recognition of fact-checking as a cornerstone of journalism in Africa — not a side project, but a professional calling.

The Road Ahead

The conversations in Senegal were not just about challenges — they were about possibilities. From community-driven health fact-checking to sustainability models for independent verification organisations, the summit charted a hopeful path for Africa’s information future.

At Debunk, we carry forward the lessons, networks, and renewed energy from Dakar. Because when truth wins, democracy stands. And when Africans unite to defend facts, the continent becomes stronger.

@thedebunkshow We were glad to be part of the #africafactssummit2025 organised by @Africa Check ♬ original sound – TheDebunkShow

Edward Tumwine is a Digital Communications Consultant, Lecturer, and Media Viability Expert with over nine years of experience in media relations, content strategy, and digital communications. He has advised organizations and journalists on media sustainability, new media skills, and leveraging digital tools for impact. Edward currently serves as the Communications Officer at Debunk Media Initiative, where he leads strategic communications to combat misinformation. He also lectures in Multimedia Production at Uganda Christian University’s School of Journalism and Communication.

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