The ETTG policy brief by Jamie Hitchen (ODI) and Dr Kojo Pumpuni Asante (CDD Ghana) explores pathways for strengthening Europe-Africa cooperation in combating digital disinformation. Building on discussions from the ETTG event held in Ghana in September, the brief outlines strategic recommendations for fostering more effective cross-continental collaboration in this critical area.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The authors, with valuable input from reviewers Melody Musoni (ECDPM) and Ángel Badillo (Real Instituto Elcano), identify several crucial areas for enhancement:
Inclusive Dialogue
The EU must ensure that dialogues on disinformation include all key stakeholders – from civil society organizations to media and regulatory bodies. Tools like IMI can help develop comprehensive approaches rooted in local contexts.
Strategic Focus
- Prioritize bilateral development strategies over multilateral frameworks, recognizing the implementation challenges faced by African Union and regional structures
- Support continental and regional bodies beyond electoral contexts through dedicated technical assistance
- Create learning forums connecting African and EU experts, particularly for countering state-sponsored disinformation
Social Media Engagement
The brief emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences in engaging with social media companies, advocating for greater transparency in research access to datasets and algorithms.
Framework Development
Positioning the EU-Africa partnership within a broader strategic framework, whether continental or regional, can enhance coordination and facilitate cross-continental learning opportunities.
The policy brief offers a timely contribution to discussions on digital disinformation, highlighting the importance of collaborative approaches that respect local contexts while leveraging international expertise and resources.
This policy brief reflects ongoing ETTG work on digital governance and Europe-Africa relations in the framework of a 3-year partnership with the Open Society Foundations.
