International media organizations often perpetuate outdated stereotypes about Africa, such as corruption, disease, poor leadership, violence and poverty, said Abimbola Ogundairo, advocacy and campaigns lead with Africa No Filter, an NGO that challenges harmful narratives about the continent.

A study by Africa No Filter and consulting firm Africa Practice revealed that such negative portrayals create a monolithic view of the continent, misrepresenting Africa's diverse realities.

This skewed coverage amplifies perceived risks, increasing borrowing costs and discouraging investment — especially during elections, when the focus on negative issues such as violence and election fraud is disproportionally high compared to similar political risks in non-African countries.

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"When a singular story is being told over time, it now starts to diminish the identity of a place to just that one thing," Ogundairo told DW.

For example, 88% of media articles about Kenya during election periods were negative, compared to only 48% for Malaysia during its elections. As a result, international investors view African countries as riskier than they actually........

© Deutsche Welle