Experts are calling on African countries to intensify efforts to combat fake news and prioritize the integration of technology and marketing in governance.
Speaking at the annual ICTAK TICON Conference in Mombasa, they warned that misinformation poses a grave threat to democracy and called for a united front across the continent to counter its spread.
Dennis Itumbi, Head of Creative and Special Projects at the Executive Office of the President of Kenya, described fake news as a national threat undermining Africa’s stability.
“Fake news is not just a nuisance; it is a national threat that undermines the fabric of democracy,” said Itumbi.
He emphasized the importance of fact-checking, responsible journalism, and technological innovation to curb misinformation. Itumbi also revealed that the Kenyan government is rolling out new strategies through partnerships with private sector players to address the spread of fake news.
His sentiments were echoed by the Secretary General of the ICT Association of Kenya (ICTAK), Dr. Adrian Kamotho who noted that Africa’s global competitiveness depends on embracing emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and data analytics.
He urged marketing professionals to lead the charge in modernizing Africa’s economy.
“As we stand at the intersection of innovation and communication, it is critical for Africa to harness the potential of technology to redefine how we market our products, services, and even our nations,” said Dr. Kamotho.
Meanwhile, David Gowu, President of TICON Africa, stressed the need for ICT and marketing professionals to be part of decision-making processes.
“It is no longer enough for ICT and marketing experts to operate in silos. These fields are fundamental to the economic growth and global competitiveness of African nations. We need representation at the highest levels of government and corporate leadership,” said Gowu.
This year’s ICTAK TICON Conference was themed “Innovating Africa’s Future through Technology and Marketing.”
ICTAK is a professional organization representing ICT professionals and organizations in Kenya. It promotes the development, growth, and integration of ICT across various sectors of the Kenyan economy and advocates for the ethical and responsible use of technology.
TICON Africa, on the other hand, is a continental nonprofit organization that adds value to African ICT professional associations by driving digital transformation, innovation, and the integration of technology across sectors in Africa.
