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AI in African media
Beyond the hype: How African Media is telling the AI story

Beyond the hype: How African Media is telling the AI story

Artificial intelligence is reshaping Africa’s economies, societies and information ecosystems, but how is the story being told? Drawing on new research from Kenya and South Africa, this article explores the narratives, blind spots and opportunities shaping AI coverage across African media, and why a more nuanced, locally grounded conversation is urgently needed.

Did Uganda’s internet shutdowns during elections backfire?

Did Uganda’s internet shutdowns during elections backfire?

Uganda’s election-time internet shutdown was intended to curb disinformation, but it may have deepened mistrust instead. By cutting off access to news and verification tools, the ban hampered journalists, fuelled rumours and weakened confidence in the electoral process, raising questions about whether such measures protect democracy or undermine it.