To help combat the rise of disinformation in Mauritania, DW Akademie recently embarked on a multifaceted project "Ready for the Future: An Explorer Lab on Disinformation." The opening event in December 2024 marked a significant return for DW Akademie after an absence of several years, driven by the need to assess the country's media landscape and develop strategies to combat the growing threat of disinformation.

The initiative, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, began with an intensive 7-day pilot program in Nouakchott, engaging over 35 representatives from Mauritania's media and civil society. Among the participants of the training, a significant number were female media professionals, whose active engagement alongside their male counterparts underscored the initiative’s commitment to gender equality in media.

A pilot workshop on disinformation

The participants delved into foundational theoretical and practical training on verification tools and techniques, laying the groundwork for a robust framework to tackle disinformation.

During the event, participants identified some key risks created by Mauritanian disinformation. According to participants, the biggest threat comes from health disinformation that leads to detrimental effects on community well-being.

Furthermore, the nation’s diverse ethnic and linguistic landscape faces risks from disinformation, which could exploit existing social and cultural tensions. Social and cultural rumors were identified as the most prevalent form of disinformation, exacerbating divisions among ethnic groups, linguistic communities, and migrants.

A survey conducted during workshops revealed that Mauritanian newsrooms are largely unprepared to combat disinformation due to inadequate training, tools, and institutional support. Most media organizations lack structured verification processes and technical capabilities, particularly in digital verification and overcoming logistical challenges.

Recommendations and action plan

The workshop culminated in a comprehensive set of recommendations and a phased action plan designed to enhance Mauritania's disinformation defense capabilities and strengthen media resilience. The recommendations include capacity building for media professionals through training on digital verification, the establishment of multilingual fact-checking platforms, public media literacy programs targeting diverse audiences and promoting multilateral collaboration to address disinformation regionally.

The recommended action plan extends over multiple phases. In the initial six months, an assessment of Mauritania’s media landscape is prioritized, alongside launching pilot programs to enhance basic verification skills. 

Subsequent phases of the action plan identify the establishment of dedicated fact-checking units, expansion of advanced training modules, and integration of Mauritania into regional and international networks. A participant-driven survey provided direct insights that shaped these strategic approaches, ensuring they align with the specific needs of Mauritania’s media environment.

DW Akademie is keen to further support the country´s media actors by extending local networks and seeking further funding.

During his visit, Carsten von Nahmen, DW Akademie’s managing director expressed his pride and anticipation for further engagement, stating, “It is gratifying to be back in Mauritania after so many years, witnessing the potential and readiness the country demonstrates for media development.”