Africa Check to hold maiden Africa Facts summit in Nairobi

The first edition of the Africa Facts summit is set to hold in Nairobi, Kenya between November 9 and 10.

In a statement, Africa Check said the two-day summit will bring together fact-checking organisations and experts from all corners of the continent.

“We are excited to be hosting this important gathering of African fact-checkers, to share ideas and best practices in effective ways of combatting the scourge of misinformation on our continent,” Noko Makgato, the executive director of Africa Check said.

At the inaugural summit, fact-checkers will discuss several topics on strengthening fact-checking in Africa; including include obstacles in the fight against misinformation, why media literacy matters, and fact-checking in challenging environments.

The statement added that the summit will conclude with the African Fact-Checking Awards gala dinner designed to honour outstanding fact-check journalists across Africa

Dudu Mkhize, Africa Check’s outreach manager, said over 200 entries across 20 African countries were received for this year’s edition of the award.  

“The awards aim to bolster fact-checking excellence throughout the continent. This year we have more than 200 entries from over 20 African countries, making it clear that fact-checking is growing across the continent,” Mkhize said. 

Mkhize added that the three categories for this year are: fact-check of the year by a working journalist, fact-check of the year by a professional fact-checker, and fact-check of the year by a student journalist.

The winners of the working journalist and professional fact-checker categories will each get a prize of $3,000, while the runners-up will receive $1,500 each. 

The winner of the student journalist category will be awarded $2,000, while the runner-up will get $1,000.