My journey: Learning to Fight Misinformation Ahead of Zambia’s 2026 Elections
When I was selected for the 2025 Code for Africa Fellowship on Combatting Mis/Disinformation in Southern Africa, organized by Code for Africa (CfA) in partnership with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. What I did know, however, was that the timing couldn’t have been more critical. With Zambia heading into the 2026 election cycle, I had already begun to witness how rapidly misinformation was spreading online stories that confuse citizens, divide communities, and sometimes even threaten peace.
For me, this training came at the right moment.
What I Took Away
Over six weeks of intense sessions, I learned skills I never thought I could master so quickly. I can now:
Spot and debunk false claims before they spread further.
Verify whether a photo, video, or even an audio clip is real or manipulated.
Protect myself and others better online through digital security practices.
Apply ethical guidelines to make sure my work is accurate, fair, and accountable.
Even understand how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world of fact-checking.
But what stood out most wasn’t just the content; it was the way the training was delivered.
A Supportive Team That Walked with me
The trainers, IT support, program manager, mentors, finance, and the rest of the programming team were incredible. They didn’t just “teach and leave.” They made sure every session was interactive and practical and that no one was left behind. The programming team handled everything so smoothly in the background, while the trainers patiently explained tools and answered questions. No matter how many times I asked questions, I felt supported every step of the way. Technical issues I experienced were resolved, and the team was patient and gave room to learn.
And the best part? The journey doesn’t end with the workshop.
The Six-Month Fellowship: Guidance That Builds Confidence
Unlike many other programs where you attend training and are left to figure things out on your own, this one offers a six-month fellowship. That has been life-changing for me.
During this time, I got guidance from a mentor, feedback from editors, and the chance to reflect on my own mistakes. Slowly, I saw myself becoming more confident able to research, verify, and write fact-checks on my own.
This ongoing support is what made a huge difference. It’s not just learning skills in theory; it’s about practicing them, getting corrected, and building enough confidence to go out there and work as a fact-checker in the real world.
Beyond Me: Taking Skills Further
What excites me most is that the training doesn’t end with me. Yes, the fellowship started by equipping one person in an organization, me! but these skills won’t stay with just one person. I now have the tools and confidence to train others, to pass on what I’ve learned, and to help empower my colleagues and community.
With the elections coming up, I know these skills will not only help me in my own work but also allow me to build resilience in others. Democracy is stronger when citizens can tell the difference between truth and lies. I feel proud to be part of that effort.
I am deeply grateful to Code for Africa, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the trainers, editors, and the programming team for walking with us every step of the way. Your patience, guidance, and encouragement have not only shaped me into a more confident fact-checker but also inspired me to keep passing on these skills.
This journey doesn’t end here! It’s only the beginning!
Mzeziti Mwanza is a Zambian governance expert and advocate, passionate about policy advocacy, electoral process observation, and gender advocacy. She is passionate about bridging scholarly insight with public advocacy and amplifies citizen voices to defend rights, transparency, and participatory governance in Zambia’s evolving political landscape.