By NECJOGHA News Desk
Paris, January 2026 — In a bid to strengthen the fight against misinformation, leading global news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) has unveiled a series of multilingual, open-access courses tailored for journalists and journalism students. The initiative is supported by the Google News Initiative, underscoring a growing global effort to equip media professionals with advanced digital investigation techniques.
The courses, available online and structured by levels, are designed to help participants sharpen their skills in verifying information, detecting false narratives, and navigating the complexities of the digital landscape.
“In an era where misinformation spreads faster than ever, journalists need robust tools to investigate and verify digital content,” AFP noted in its announcement.
Key Features of the Program
- Multilingual access: Courses are offered in multiple languages to ensure inclusivity across regions.
- Level-based learning: Participants can progress from beginner to advanced modules, depending on their expertise.
- Practical focus: Training emphasizes hands-on techniques for tackling misinformation in real-world reporting.
- Open-access: Free enrollment ensures that both aspiring and professional journalists can benefit.
Impact in Eastern Africa
These free courses are particularly valuable for journalists in Eastern Africa, where misinformation often undermines public trust and complicates reporting on sensitive issues such as climate change, governance, and social development. By equipping local journalists with digital investigation skills, the program strengthens regional media resilience and empowers storytellers to deliver accurate, evidence-based reporting.
The initiative comes at a critical time when misinformation campaigns continue to challenge public trust in media. By offering these resources, AFP and Google aim to empower the next generation of journalists with the skills needed to uphold accuracy and credibility in reporting.
Interested participants can explore the courses here: AFP Digital Investigation Techniques.
