According to a recent study published by Africa No Filter on Thursday, October 10, Western Media’s negative coverage on the continent deprives Africa of substantial investment.
As outlined by Namibia’s Vice President, Dr Netumbo Nandi on October 8, a recent study launched on Thursday, October 10, affirms that western media entities through negative coverage are hindering Africa’s economies from getting their due investment.
According to the report compiled by Africa Practice, a strategic consulting firm in collaboration with Africa No Filter, an advocacy lobby, these negative reports deprive the continent of an estimated 4.2billion USD annually which could be used to fund education of children and provide immunization. It blames this on the stereotypical portrayal of the continent, stunting growth and directing investors attention, an image that is far from reality.
Dubbed « The Cost of Media Stereotypes to Africa, » the study paid particular attention to electoral processes in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt and the coverages from giant media entities from the Global North.
Thus, the study underscored that African countries receive more media attention during elections but with a disproportionate focus on negative issues like violence, election malpractice and others.
It is in that regard that pundits have accentuated that improved media sentiment as per the study will reduce borrowing rates of African countries on the continent, boost macroeconomic stability and investor’s confidence, a call that reckons with Africa to be at the centre of its storytelling.
