Negative stereotypes in media 'cost Africa up to £3.2bn a year'

Africa loses up to £3.2bn yearly in inflated interest payments on sovereign debt owing to persistent negative stereotypes that dominate international media coverage of the continent, according to a new report.

- Caroline Kimeu

Research by the consultants Africa Practice and the advocacy non-profit Africa No Filter suggests media portrayals, especially during elections when global coverage is heightened, focus disproportionately on conflict, corruption, poverty, disease and poor leadership, widening disparities between perceived and actual risks of investing in the continent and creating a monolithic view of Africa.

Moky Makura, executive director of Africa No Filter, said: “The scale of these figures underscores the urgent need to challenge these negative stereotypes about Africa and promote a more balanced narrative.”