The Growing Impact of Digital Media in African Politics

The growing influence of digital media coupled with the continuous spread of technology has significantly shaped the political sphere across the globe, and Africa is no exception. Digital media is a form of media that is spread through technology, coming in many forms: videos, articles, music, websites, social media, data, and more (Sikarwar, 2020). The political impact of digital media is still emerging, however it has had an increasing effect on governance, activism, elections, and the spread of information, all of which play a crucial role in the political landscape. Digital media has significantly influenced African politics, both positively and negatively; serving as a tool for political mobilization and digitizing governance while also influencing elections, and spreading misinformation. By examining the role digital media has on facilitating political mobilization through grassroots movements and activism, its impact on governance and civic engagement, analyzing its impact on elections, and finally, the spread of misinformation through digital media, we can see the impacts digital media has in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania, which hold implications for the wider continent. 

The Rise of a Hashtag: Nigeria’s #EndSARS Movement

As a platform, digital media offers many benefits, including enabling widespread mobilization, awareness, and as a tool to promote advocacy. The accessibility of digital media makes it a useful tool for previously marginalized groups to have a platform, and bypasses traditional barriers that may prevent groups from speaking up (Dambo et al., 2020). However, while digital media fosters political mobilization, governments have developed countermeasures such as internet shutdowns and online surveillance in attempts to suppress free speech. Additionally, many academics have argued that online activism is limited in its ability to effect tangible political change (Budish, 2025). One way to examine the political impact of digital media can be seen in the case study of Nigeria and the 2020 #EndSARS movement. SARS or the Special Anti-Robbery Squad was established in 1993 as a special unit of the Nigerian Police (Akinyetun, 2021). Despite a reduction in kidnapping and robberies since its creation, SARS was severely criticized as perceived to be acting beyond their judicial responsibilities. According to Amnesty International, SARS was accused of using torture, rape, and murder against suspects (Amnesty International, 2021). The #EndSARS movement gained attention when videos of abuses committed by SARS were posted on platforms such as Twitter (now known as X), other personal interactions with SARS began circulating widely via blogs, Whatsapp, Facebook and other social media. The hashtag gained popularity as many Nigerians shared their personal experiences, the online activism resulted in widespread national protests in October and November of 2020, calling for inquiries into the branch and the release of prisoners. One such protest culminated in the police shooting over 11 unarmed protestors. This escalation resulted in even more social media attention, with hashtags like #Fixpolitics and #Endcorruption. Shifting the discourse from a movement against police brutality to one of political transformation (Sopuruchi Christian Aboh, 2023). The online pressure eventually led to the disbandment of SARS by the government. The #EndSARS movements shows how influential the role of digital media was in mobilizing social change. Despite the government attempting to ban Twitter and activists’ accounts, the pressure of the movement successfully held out. Despite this apparent success, it has been argued that there is a danger of relying solely on online activism to enact change, and in-person protests have been proven to be more effective (Dambo et al., 2020), so it is important to recognize that digital media alone may not bring about offline change. 

Digital Governance or Digital Surveillance? Kenya’s Huduma Namba

As access to internet and digital media increases, so has its use in government. An example of this is Kenya’s digital biometric identity system – ‘Huduma Namba’ or ‘Service Number’. Created in an effort to improve government efficiency and enhance security, Huduma Namba is a digital database for all citizens and residents created in 2019 by the National Integrated Management System. The Kenyan government justified the implementation of this program as they believe it will make access to social services more efficient, protect against terrorism, and prevent various forms of fraud (Nyaunga Nyakundi, 2020). However, the programme has received wide criticism from the public and various human rights organizations, warning of the potential misuse of the data. Campaigns such as #ResistHudumaNamba has gained popularity online, as citizens have expressed distrust in the government’s use of such data. Huduma Namba has partnered with several tech conglomerates such as Safaricom and Cambridge Analytica, which has also drawn criticism, as both have been accused of mishandling private information and interfering in elections. Digital media has provided many opportunities for governments to streamline social services, however, it has been difficult for policy and legislation to keep up with it. The 2018 Computer and Cybercrime Act in Kenya did not cover data protection for Huduma Namba, nor did it address privacy concerns (Mwaura, 2019). Furthermore, the 2019 Huduma Bill, which mandated registering within Huduma Namba to receive government services, raised concerns about political inclusivity; as a citizen must be registered with Huduma to vote. Several scholars, including Natalie Killu and Samantha Balaton-Chrimes, argue that the introduction of the Huduma Namba discriminates against ethnic minority groups within Kenya, preventing them from participating equally in government (Kiilu, 2023). Huduma Namba has since been halted by the Kenyan High Court until there is a comprehensive legislative framework ensuring data protection and privacy. However, this case shows the impact of introducing digital media into governments. Despite there being privacy concerns and the potential for discriminatory practices, the introduction of such a program demonstrates the transformative qualities digital technology can have on improving government services, enhancing national security, and improving political processes. While Huduma Namba has faced legal challenges, its intended goals reflect a broader trend in governance where technology will play a critical role in state-citizen interactions, as seen in several other countries.

Zimbabwe’s Digital Battle for Democracy: 

Additionally, digital media has become increasingly relevant to elections across Africa. Shaping how voters interact with politics, providing an alternative to traditional media sources, and as a tool to spread misinformation. Zimbabwe’s first post authoritarian 2018 election highlights the negative and positive impacts digital media has had in elections. Scholars such as Mthabisi Ncube argue that social media is “a viable alternative public sphere that democratises political space” (Mthabisi Ncube, 2021), providing an important alternative to voters. However, the use of social media during the 2018 election has been described as an ‘insults-sphere’ as supporters of ZANU PF and MDC Alliance used digital media to launch personal attacks, spread misinformation, and engage in highly polarized debates rather than rational political discussions. Nelson Chamisa’s supporters (MDC) were quickly classified as ‘Nerrorists’ on Twitter by opposition supporters, a name that sowed division and hostility between the groups. The ‘Nerrosists’ used misogyny as a tactic to undermine the other party, with the slogan “We want a leader without breasts” quickly gaining popularity (Mateveke and Chikafa-Chipiro, 2020). Additionally, Chamisa supporters repeatedly spread a narrative of election fraud and vote rigging, claiming that the election process in Zimbabwe was unfair and ‘rigged’. The raging online debate led to several instances of physical violence between supporters of ZANU PF and MDC, with both sides claiming that the election was illegitimate, and spreading fake information about the candidates policies, as well as personal attacks. In the case of the 2018 elections in Zimbabwe we can see how digital media was used to sow deep resentment and distrust, often using ethnic and gendered lines to reinforce division (Munoriyarwa and Chambwera, 2020). The dual nature of digital media highlights its growing influence in electoral processes, while it can enhance democratic participation and transparency, it is equally susceptible to manipulation, misinformation, and political polarization. The 2018 Zimbabwe elections serve as a case study of both the opportunities and risks that come with the increasing digitization of political discourse.

When Governments Control the Narrative: Tanzania’s Propaganda Pandemic

Similarly to Zimbabwe, Tanzania represents the pitfalls of digital media in politics. Misinformation is often seen as one of the key drawbacks of digital media within the political sphere, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania, where digital media played a key role in spreading conspiracy theories, misinformation, and government censorship. Online platforms and digital media have become a frontline for ‘fake news’ to spread, jeopardizing the integrity of journalism, and in some cases, health and safety. Fake news, as defined by Lunga and Mthembu is “a deliberate dissemination of false information through media channels” (Lunga and Mthembu, 2019). Social media became a catalyst for so-called fake news and misinformation, becoming yet another outlet for the government’s propaganda. Widely circulated videos of the Tanzanian Minister of Health promoting various “smoothies” made of vegetables as both a prevention and a cure, as well as DIY steam rooms (Macdonald, Molony and Lihiru, 2023) became commonplace online. Additionally, digital media provided the government with a platform in which to espouse propaganda, and use government censorship to imprison or fine those who spoke up against them. This was seen in 2020 when the Tanzanian government suspended Kwanza’s news company’s license for reporting COVID-19 cases in Dar es Salaam, claiming the information to be false and harmful to the tourism industry (Ishengoma and Mutinta, 2024). In addition to this, then-President Magufuli limited the ability of journalists to report on COVID-19 statistics, using state-controlled media to promote the government’s stance. Independent news outlets, initially critiquing the government’s response, soon avoided discussing the subject due to concerns of political retaliation (Macdonald, Molony and Lihiru, 2023). Through this case study we can see how digital media can be harnessed as a tool by authoritarian governments to circulate misinformation and censor opposition. Scholars Ishengom and Mutinta argue that digital media can create a dangerous echo chamber, which, if taken over by governments or other groups with political agendas, can be used to spread political misinformation in an effort to maintain power (Ishengoma and Mutinta, 2024). They argue that to combat this, journalists and digital media platforms must promote digital literacy skills and implement stringent legislation to prevent the circulation of fake news. The case of digital media used as an extension of the government during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania highlights the dangers that digital media can have on aiding authoritarian governments, and shows the importance of digital literacy and media education as digital media continues to become more prevalent.

What’s Next for Digital Governance in Africa?

Digital media is playing an increasingly large role across the globe, and has many implications for the future. The growth of internet access in Africa has been exponential and is rapidly shaping the political landscape. Through examining the impact of social media campaigns we can see how digital media provides a unique platform for political activists and social movements, serving as a tool for political mobilization, governance reform, and civic engagement as seen in the case of Nigeria and the #EndSARS campaign and Kenya’s Huduma Namba. However, digital media can also enable disinformation, political manipulation, and social division, as seen in the 2018 Zimbabwean elections and the COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania. As digital media continues to expand across the continent, the challenge lies in harnessing its potential for democratic participation while mitigating its risks. Moving forward, policymakers must implement robust regulatory frameworks, promote transparency in digital governance, and invest in media literacy programs to ensure that digital platforms contribute to informed political discourse rather than misinformation-driven instability.

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