Valerie Keter has called for increased vigilance against misinformation and disinformation that distort Africa’s image.
In a recent video clip, she stressed that the challenge is not only about preserving history but about addressing the manipulation of information that shapes perceptions of the continent.
Historically, entire libraries were burned down, leading to the loss of invaluable knowledge about African civilizations and cultures. Today, Valerie Keter warns, the danger has evolved: disinformation spreads rapidly online and shapes how Africa is documented and perceived globally.
“Be attentive and aware of how your current reality is being noted down because in the future that is what will be taken as the truth,” she emphasized. This call to awareness is crucial. What is published, shared, and archived now becomes the reference point for generations to come.
Countering these negative narratives is not just about national pride, it is essential for Africa’s economic growth, cultural preservation, and global representation. It helps ensure that future histories reflect authentic African experiences rather than external biases or deliberate distortions.
By actively sharing stories of innovation, creativity, resilience, and leadership across the continent, Africans and allies can build a more balanced and truthful record that inspires a new generation to see Africa through the lens of possibility and progress.
