Call for Papers: Digital Narratives and Misinformation in African Contexts

Special Issue on Digital Narratives and Misinformation in African Media Ecosystems

Journal: African Communication Review (ACR) Guest Editors: Dr. Amara Okonkwo (University of Lagos) and Dr. Kwame Mensah (University of Ghana)

We invite submissions for a special issue examining how misinformation spreads through digital networks in African contexts, with attention to local languages, vernacular media practices, and cultural specificity.

Themes and Scope

We welcome research addressing:

• Misinformation narratives in African vernacular and indigenous languages
• The role of messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram) in information ecosystems
• Fact-checking initiatives and their cultural adaptation in Africa
• Digital literacy campaigns and their effectiveness
• Relationships between traditional oral cultures and viral digital narratives
• Cross-border misinformation in regional conflicts
• Platform moderation policies and African media environments
• Audience trust and credibility assessments in African digital spaces

Submission Guidelines

• Word Count: 8,000-10,000 words including references
• Deadline: September 15, 2026
• Format: Double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman
• Citation Style: Chicago Manual of Style (Notes and Bibliography)
• Author Information: Include 150-word bio and institutional affiliation

Process

Submit manuscripts via the ACR submission portal at acreview.org/submissions by 23:59 UTC on the deadline. Peer review will follow double-blind protocol. Decisions expected by January 2027. Publication anticipated: Spring 2027 issue.

Contact

Questions? Email guest editors at acr.misinformation@unilag.edu.ng

African Communication Review is indexed in JSTOR, Google Scholar, and the African Journal Online (AJOL) database.