As researchers we have to take the rise of fake news and disinformation seriously, says Professor Eleanor Fisher, head of research at the Nordic Africa Institute in a new interview.

She describes how NAI invests significant attention to ensuring the high quality of its research, grounded in empirical research conducted on the continent, often in collaboration with researchers from local universities and research institutions.

Of NAI’s research within the social sciences, she says it can challenge stereotypes, show complexity, while offering insight into political and economic dynamics in African countries.

“It is my experience here at the Nordic Africa Institute that with the rise of disinformation, because we are producing high quality research, actually demand for what we do is rising.”