Consultancy Opportunity on Strengthening Information Integrity in Southern Africa

The Media Institute of Southern Africa- Zimbabwe (MISA) is offering a consultancy opportunity on strengthening information integrity in Southern Africa. The institute is commissioning a study to assess the state of information integrity in Southern Africa (Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe). MISA inviting applications from consultants or teams of consultants (media professionals/researchers possessing experience in conducting baseline studies in Southern Africa) to conduct the study. 

Thematics

The digital information ecosystem in Southern Africa is rapidly transforming. While increased connectivity has empowered citizens, it has also facilitated the spread of misinformation (unintentional false information) and disinformation (deliberate, malicious falsehoods).

This study is being commissioned as part of the implementation of FEF “Coopération dans la lutte contre la désinformation en Afrique australe”, also called the Desinfox Southern Africa project. It aims to strengthen the resilience of information ecosystems in Southern Africa against disinformation and foreign digital interference.

The primary objective is to assess the state of information integrity in Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Specific objectives include:

• Conducting a rapid assessment of existing fact-checking capacities
• Performing a high-level landscape analysis of Media and Information Literacy (MIL)
• Identifying gaps in response mechanisms and legal/policy frameworks
• Assess the nature and origins of disinformation, identify the main actors involved and analyse their motivations and reasoning
• Assess the prevalence of gendered misinformation and disinformation and what mitigatory practices are in place
• Providing contextualised recommendations to inform project activities and regional advocacy

Responsibilities

The consultants will deliver a detailed analysis for each of the four target countries, covering the following pillars:

• Rapid assessment of fact-checking capacities
• MIL and fact-checking landscape analysis
• Identification of gaps and response mechanisms

Addtionally, the study should employ a mixed-methods approach, including:

• Desk research: Review of existing literature, legal frameworks and previous MIL assessments
• Key informant interviews (KIIs): Engagement with journalists, fact-checkers, policymakers, and digital rights activists
• Survey/Gap Analysis: Focused data collection on training needs for media professionals and civil society
• Comparative analysis: Identifying cross-border trends and opportunities for regional collaboration

Lastly, key deliverables include:

• Inception report detailing the refined methodology, tools and work plan
• A comprehensive baseline report (approximately 40-60 pages), which includes:Executive summary
• Country-specific chapters for Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
• A regional synthesis of common challenges.
• A 4-page summary designed for high-level engagement with SADC and international partners (advocacy
• A validation workshop for project stakeholders (hybrid presentation)

Eligibility

The ideal consultant/team should possess:

• Advanced degree in media studies, political science, international development or related field
• Proven experience in conducting baseline studies in Southern Africa
• Subject matter expertise in MIL, fact-checking and digital rights

How to apply 

To apply, please send your application to: informationscribe@proton.me. Each application must include a detailed proposed budget that clearly and transparently outlines the financial resources required to execute the proposed action. The budget must:

• Specify cost categories (e.g. personnel, activities, travel)
• Justify all costs in direct relation to the proposed activities and expected outcomes

The deadline for submitting applications is Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 23.59 CAT.

For more information, please visit this page.