Markets of Misinformation

Examines how platform capitalism drives misinformation in Africa and argues for digital industrial policy to strengthen governance, reduce harms, and build equitable, democratic digital economies.

Examines how power imbalances in Africa’s digital spaces undermine development and democratic participation. It shows how profit-driven tech platforms fuel misinformation and social division, and argues for stronger digital industrial frameworks to harness technology for inclusive development and democratic renewal.

Markets of Misinformation explores how power imbalances in Africa's digital spaces undermine development, equality, social trust and democratic participation. It analyses the connections between big tech platforms, profit-driven market incentives and the spread of information disorders; misinformation, disinformation and harmful content.

At its core, the book argues that digital capitalism, which maximizes economic value through data extraction, targeted advertising and user engagement, often erodes social value. Market pressures create structural weaknesses that fuel discrimination and deepen divisions. However, the book also suggests opportunities for harnessing technology's transformative power in order to strengthen social cohesion.

Regulating global technology companies that often lack local presence remains a challenge and makes enforcement tricky in a borderless data economy. The book discusses these jurisdictional gaps and the need for better international frameworks at a time when emerging technologies that offer significant opportunities, such as machine learning and generative AI, pose new data governance.

Ultimately, the book is a call to action. It urges readers to challenge dominant technology models and adopt alternative approaches to reshape digital markets and build a more equitable digital future for Africa.