Bloggers of Zambia’s five-month fact-checking and verification program with Code for Africa wasn’t just an experience, it was a game-changer. This collaboration empowered the organization to strengthen its fact-checking desk and equip its team with cutting-edge digital tools, fortifying their role in the sector.
As part of Africa’s largest civic technology and data journalism network, Bloggers of Zambia worked in line with its thematic areas of work, which are; digital rights, press freedom, and civic tech, pushing boundaries and making a tangible impact. Partnering with colleagues across six African nations, they shared knowledge, received mentorship, and learned innovative strategies crucial to their internet-based work.
The journey wasn’t without its hurdles; erratic internet connections, diverse time zones and cultural differences challenged our participation. But the team adapted, even overcoming the fast-paced nature of the program to meet all deliverables.
Maya Margret Malenga, the lead Fact-Checker, described the difficulty in sourcing timely information from government institutions due to bureaucratic delays.
“Accessing essential data was often a battle against time and transparency,” she explained.
“The challenge intensified when dealing with underreported topics in rural areas, where the lack of verifiable information slowed fact-checking efforts,” Gregory Chillufya added.
Meanwhile, Choombe Sylus Mantina reflected on his personal growth as a creative content maker. “Mastering journalistic writing was overwhelming at first, but with Code for Africa’s mentorship, I honed my skills and produced impactful content.”
The rapid digitalization in Zambia has created a double-edged sword. While it offers new spaces for citizen engagement, it also fuels the spread of misinformation. Fact-checkers like Gregory Chilufya faced the daunting task of sifting through vast amounts of misleading content, all while staying ahead of rapidly evolving narratives. He emphasized the importance of being “vigilant and proactive” in this dynamic landscape.
“The programme was an immersive experience that equipped me with the tools to navigate the complex world of information in the digital age. I was trained to identify the subtle yet crucial differences between misinformation and disinformation, understanding the nuances that separate them. This knowledge has made me more vigilant and discerning, recognizing the profound impact that unchecked false information can have on society,” said Dickson Tindi, who is also an animator and videographer.
Dickson added, “I learned about the social, political, and economic dangers these phenomena pose, especially in an age where digital platforms are the primary source of information for many. However, one of the significant hurdles was confronting the overwhelming volume of misleading content and learning how to effectively sift through it to uncover the truth. This required patience, persistence, and a sharp analytical mindset. Despite these challenges, the experience made me appreciate the importance of accurate information and the responsibility we all share in ensuring its dissemination.”
Looking ahead, Bloggers of Zambia is partnering with local provincial press clubs and donors to sustain their fact-checking efforts. With Zambia’s next presidential election in August 2026, fact-checking will play a critical role in combating harmful online content in a fierce information war before, during and after elections.
Through this program, Bloggers of Zambia fact-checkers didn’t just identify falsehoods, they uncovered the broader implications of misinformation on society. By mastering advanced debunking tools and connecting with diverse African cohorts, they’re ready to lead the charge in the fight against misinformation.
As Gregory Chilufya sums it up, “This project wasn’t just about informing the public, it was about promoting transparency and strengthening democracy in Africa. It was challenging but immensely rewarding.”
