Case Study: EthioCheck Lab

DW Akademie initiated a human-centered design (HCD) process as a starting point for a media development project in Ethiopia. The aim was to develop a better understanding and assess the current situation regarding misinformation and dis-information.

The process with journalists and media experts from Ethiopia was conducted between October 2019 and February 2020 in Addis Ababa in order to find an accepted and feasible way to support fact-checking in Ethiopia.

How to use this document

Ongoing reforms in Ethiopia have led to an opening up of the media landscape. But challenges remain: Increased access to all manner of information and the spread of mis- and disinformation, coupled with low media literacy, is contributing to the escalation of conflicts throughout the country.

This case study shows the process of gaining insights into the “context of use” for fact-checkers and the main results of the ideation on fact-checking initiatives within the very diverse Ethiopian context. The goal of the HCD approach: To find an accepted and feasibleway to launch a fact-checking initiative in Ethiopia.