The International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), a UNESCO Category 2 Institute established by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has launched the Africa Against Xenophobia Project (AfAX-P), a continental initiative aimed at combating xenophobia, promoting social cohesion, and strengthening the role of media and information literacy in addressing prejudice, discrimination, and misinformation about migrants and foreign nationals across Africa.
The project, unveiled at a virtual launch event attended by representatives of government institutions, civil society organisations, media professionals, academics, youth groups, and development organisations from across the continent, is designed to proactively address and mitigate the spread of xenophobia induced by hate speech, and misinformation that is reportedly threatening Africa’s social cohesion, regional integration, and economic stability.
The virtual launch event, which took place on June 18, 2026, was in commemoration of this year’s International Day for Countering Hate Speech, and underscored the project’s mission to foster unity and combat harmful narratives across the African continent.
The launch event convened a panel of experts and representatives from various African countries, including Uganda, Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa, Nigeria, Morocco, and Sierra Leone, as well as the United Kingdom.
The discussions covered issues such as the significant role of media disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech in perpetuating xenophobic practices across the continent; The urgent imperative to address these challenges for a peaceful and prosperous Africa; and actionable strategies and innovative solutions to combat identified challenges.
In his message to the event, the United Nations (UN) Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, stated that countering hate speech in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) required a collective effort with Governments strengthening policies and regulatory frameworks that promote responsible AI use while safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression.
In addition, he said, “Technology companies must design systems that are transparent, inclusive, and accountable, ensuring their algorithms do not amplify harmful content,” stressing: “let us renew our commitment to a Nigeria, and a world where diversity is celebrated, dignity is protected, and technology is guided by humanity. Let us stand together to say: No to hate.”
Dr. Sharon Omotoso, Director of IMILI, highlighted the project’s importance, explaining that “AfAX-P is more than just an initiative; it is a continental call to action. We are witnessing an alarming rise in digital hate that undermines our shared values and development aspirations. This project will empower communities, harmonize policies, and strengthen digital integrity to build a resilient Africa.”
She described xenophobia as a growing threat to African unity, regional integration, and peaceful coexistence, noting that negative stereotypes, misinformation, hate speech, and disinformation have contributed significantly to hostility towards migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups in many African countries.
According to her, the Africa Against Xenophobia Project seeks to harness the power of media and information literacy to build resilience against divisive narratives, promote critical thinking, and encourage citizens to engage responsibly with information relating to migration, identity, and diversity.
The initiative will focus on research, advocacy, public awareness campaigns, capacity-building programmes, and the development of educational resources designed to help individuals recognize and challenge xenophobic narratives both online and offline.
It will also support collaboration among media organizations, educational institutions, civil society groups, policymakers, and technology platforms to address the spread of harmful content that fuels discrimination and social exclusion.
Dr. Omotoso noted that migration has historically been an important feature of African societies and that the continent’s development depends significantly on cooperation, mobility, and cultural exchange among its peoples.
She warned that xenophobia undermines these values and threatens efforts to promote regional integration under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Dr. Omotoso explained that the initiative would place particular emphasis on empowering young people, educators, journalists, and community leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to identify misinformation, counter hate speech, and promote fact-based conversations about migration and diversity while also seeking to document and analyze trends in xenophobic discourse, monitor the role of digital platforms in amplifying harmful narratives, and develop evidence-based recommendations for governments, regulators, and other stakeholders.
She urged all African countries and stakeholders to join IMILI in a strategic partnership throughout the one-year project duration “to collectively reclaim our digital spaces for unity and progress.”
According to Dr. Omotoso, throughout its one-year duration, AfAX-P will consist of a wide range of activities and strategic partnerships aimed at promoting media and information literacy, fostering high-level policy harmonization, and strengthening responsible digital communication to ensure regional unity, peaceful coexistence, and the protection of continental investments.
Participants at the launch emphasized the need for collective action to address the root causes of xenophobia, including economic insecurity, social exclusion, political manipulation, and the spread of misleading information. They called for stronger efforts to promote intercultural dialogue, respect for human rights, and a more accurate understanding of migration and mobility within Africa.
IMILI is the world’s pioneering UNESCO Category 2 Institute, dedicated to research, policy advocacy, capacity building and international cooperations. Through promoting responsible communication, information integrity, ethical media practices, and informed digital citizenship, the Institute seeks to serve as a critical response to the urgent global challenges posed by misinformation, fake news, hate speech, and digital manipulation.
