Demographic Differences in Digital News Literacy in East Africa

Nations across Africa have seen substantial growth in technological advancements, including Internet and cell phone access. This growth has been unevenly experienced and has come with some unintended consequences, including the spread of mis- and disinformation. Previous research suggests that misinformation and disinformation are growing problems in the pockets across the region where research has been conducted, but individuals’ circumstances, identities and level of resources impact literacy abilities. This study utilizes data from a comparative, cross-national survey conducted in Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya in May–October 2021 (N = 3203) to understand how varying demographic indicators and a person’s perception of their literacy impact actual digital news literacy. Results indicate moderate levels of literacy in the region and the need for media literacy programmes to target lower-educated citizens and/or rural populations more so than targeting individuals based on gender, age, or income.