The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently released its Global Risks Report for 2024, itemising the challenges the world will likely face for the next ten years. How ready is Africa to deal with these challenges?
Development Diaries reports that the WEF report identified climate change, misinformation, societal polarisation, the cost of living, and cyberattacks as the five top risks for the next decade.
The report explored some of the most severe risks the world may face over the next decade, against a backdrop of rapid technological change, economic uncertainty, a warming planet, and conflict.
According to the report, misinformation and disinformation emerged as the most severe global risk category anticipated over the next two years.
Also, freedoms relating to the internet, press, and access to wider sources of information that are already in decline risk descending into a broader repression of information flow across a wider set of countries.
Africa needs to be ready to address these concerns.
As has been said severally, Africa will be the continent most severely affected by climate change due to its more extreme climate effects than other regions, reliance on climate-dependent industries like agriculture for economic growth, and generally low ability to cope and adapt.
In the area of misinformation spread, how African countries respond to this and hate speech is an important area to be looked into.
A 2021 report by Democracy in Africa revealed that Africans said they shared ‘fake news’ with a much higher frequency. The survey showed that 38 percent of Kenyans, 28 percent of Nigerians, and 35 percent of South Africans acknowledged having shared stories that turned out to be made up.
What can the African Union (AU) do?
The AU can play a pivotal role in combating misinformation in Africa by implementing an approach that combines education, technology, and collaboration among ministries of information in member states.
First, the AU should invest in comprehensive media literacy programmes to empower citizens with the skills to critically evaluate information sources, identify misinformation, and discern credible news.
This initiative could be integrated into school curricula and extended to community outreach programmes, fostering a culture of digital literacy and responsible information consumption.
Second, the AU can leverage technology to monitor and counter misinformation. Developing and implementing advanced data analytics tools can help identify trends and patterns of misinformation across various platforms.
In the area of climate change, over the next decade, Africa can strategically address the challenges by investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which will not only reduce carbon emissions but also enhance energy security.
Also, ensuring member states implement sustainable agricultural practices, promoting afforestation, and restoring degraded lands can contribute to climate resilience and food security.
Governments across the continent must prioritise the development and enforcement of climate-resilient policies, incorporating indigenous knowledge and community-based solutions.
Furthermore, education and awareness campaigns can empower local communities to mitigate and adapt to climate change, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
Development Diaries calls on African countries to prepare themselves to address the challenges posed by climate change through an approach that combines sustainable development, adaptive strategies, and international cooperation.
Ministries of information in African countries should also develop strategies that aim to counter misinformation spread and work with relevant civil society organisations (CSOs) to carry out effective public awareness campaigns.
Photo source: IOM
