Advance Your Career: Master Key Tools & Techniques to Tackle Mis/Disinformation in Southern Africa
Overview
As part of its work to support media and civil society, Code for Africa (CfA), in partnership with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is offering free online training for individuals in newsrooms and civil society organisations (CSOs) focused on information integrity and human rights. Journalists, fact-checkers, and digital investigators are especially encouraged to apply. This training will help participants detect and verify misleading content, investigate harmful narratives, and respond to disinformation with evidence-based reporting. The course includes instructor-led webinars exploring fact-checking techniques, open-source investigation tools, and methods for identifying coordinated campaigns. Participants will develop practical skills to counter disinformation on gender, LGBTQI+ rights, and climate change. The training will run from 04 August to 28 August 2025. Applications close on 29 July 2025. For details on eligibility and application requirements, please refer to the sections below.About the Training
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:✅ Master fundamental fact-checking techniques for various content formats, including photos, videos, audio, and websites.
✅ Develop proficiency in both prebunking and debunking strategies for identifying and countering misinformation.
✅ Apply ethical guidelines for plagiarism and verify factual integrity in the digital age.
✅ Understand and navigate the intersection of AI and fact-checking to improve editorial efficiency and accuracy.
✅ Safeguard digital security while performing fact-checking in high-risk environments.
✅ Explore methods for investigating misinformation on social media, including dark social channels.
Cost
The training is offered at no cost to selected participants, ensuring accessibility to those committed to advancing their skills in fact-checking and information integrity. The training materials for those admitted into the training programme will be made available on our MOOC platform for future reference and self-guided learning.Schedule and Duration
The training will be delivered online, running from 04 August to 28 August 2025, with a total of 15 sessions spread across six weeks. Sessions will be held three times a week, each lasting 90 minutes, and will be conducted via Zoom. Participants who meet the required level of participation throughout the course will receive a certificate of completion, endorsed by all partners, at the end of the program.Curriculum Overview
✅Fact-Checking Fundamentals✅Prebunking and Debunking Techniques
✅Verifying Photos, Videos, and Audio Content
✅Ethical Fact-Checking and Plagiarism Guidelines
✅Investigating Misinformation and Information Operations
Delivery
The course will be delivered entirely online, ensuring accessibility to participants from Southern Africa. The program will feature instructor-led sessions with resources uploaded to our MOOC platform, allowing participants to engage with the material at their own pace while benefiting from real-time interaction and mentorship. This blended approach ensures a structured yet flexible learning experience, combining theoretical foundations with hands-on practical application. Live sessions will be delivered by Academy, PesaCheck and iLAB media trainers from Code for Africa (CfA). The course will be delivered in English only.Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:- Target Countries – Eligibility is open to individuals residing in Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
- Current Employment – Priority will be given to individuals currently working as journalists, fact-checkers, and researchers or in roles within newsrooms and civil society organisations (CSOs) that support local information integrity watchdogs and human rights defenders across Southern Africa.
- Language – Applicants must be fluent in English.
- Availability – Applicants must be available to participate in virtual training and mentorship sessions.
- Partisanship – Applicants must be non-partisan and have no affiliations with government agencies, paramilitary organisations, political parties, state-affiliated media, or any other entities that could create the perception of partisanship during elections.
- Accessibility – Applicants must have access to a reliable laptop or desktop computer with stable internet connectivity to participate in program activities, online courses, and mentoring.
- Commitment – Applicants must commit to sharing their newly acquired skills and knowledge within their organisations, with their followers, and across the wider journalism/research community by showcasing their projects and techniques to their peers.
Deadline
All applications must be submitted by midnight GMT on 29 July 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure they have ample time to complete the process and secure a spot in the programme.How to Apply ☑️All applications must be completed through the provided online form here.☑️ Successful applicants will be notified on 30 July 2025.
☑️No interviews or assessments will be conducted as part of the selection process.
Inquiries
Applicants are encouraged to consult the growing list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) below. If your question has not been answered, please send an email to eunice.muchuna@codeforafrica.org with the subject “Fact-Checking and Investigations Training for Southern African Journalists.”Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the technical requirements for this course? Participants will need a stable internet connection and access to Zoom for live sessions. Additional tools may be required for practical assignments, and these will be outlined during the onboarding process.
- Will the sessions be recorded? Yes, all sessions will be recorded and uploaded to our MOOC platform for reference. However, live attendance is required to actively participate in discussions, group activities, and assessments.
- Can I apply if I am new to fact-checking? Absolutely! This course is designed for beginners and will provide a solid foundation in fact-checking, including practical techniques for verifying different types of media content.
- Can I take the course at my own pace? While learning resources such as slides and recordings will be available on our MOOC platform, all sessions are live and scheduled. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend live sessions to ensure continuity and engagement in the structured training process.
- Will I receive technical support during the training? Yes, ongoing technical assistance will be available to help troubleshoot any issues during the training.
- Will I have assignments or coursework outside of the sessions? Yes, participants will be expected to complete practical exercises and quizzes to reinforce their learning between sessions. Time should be allocated to complete these additional tasks.
- Will I receive a certificate upon completion? Yes, participants who successfully complete the training will receive a certificate of completion, endorsed by Code for Africa and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Is the course available in other languages? Currently, the course will be offered exclusively in English.
- How will this training help my career? This training provides valuable skills in fact-checking and verification that are essential for journalists, media professionals, and civil society organizations working to combat misinformation and uphold information integrity. Completing the course will enhance your credibility and capacity to lead fact-checking initiatives within your organisation or community, making you a key player in the fight against misinformation.
- What makes this training unique? This training stands out by combining theoretical foundations with hands-on practical application, equipping participants with real-world skills in fact-checking and investigative techniques. Delivered by leading industry experts from Code for Africa, it is specifically tailored to the needs of journalists and fact-checkers across Southern Africa. The programme addresses both the technical and ethical dimensions of fact-checking in today’s media environment. What truly sets it apart is the emphasis on real-time mentorship and interactive support, ensuring participants are guided every step of the way.
The Speaker
The Organisation
Code for Africa
Code for Africa (CfA) is the continent’s largest network of indigenous African civic technology and investigative data journalism laboratories, with over 100 staff in 21 countries, who build digital democracy solutions that are intended to give citizens unfettered access to actionable information that empowers them to make informed decisions and that strengthen civic engagement for improved public governance and accountability.