20 Not Addressed

The Government should set out how it will ensure that reductions in overseas development aid...

Recommendation
The Government should set out how it will ensure that reductions in overseas development aid and integrated security fund programming do not facilitate a vacuum that can be exploited by malign actors seeking advantage in Africa. We urge the Government to ensure appropriate funding is available to ensure resilient and sustainable independent media organisations are able to thrive across the African continent. (Recommendation, Paragraph 107)
Government Response Summary
The government's response details its commitment to increasing public awareness of foreign information manipulation and interference through publications and media literacy campaigns, but does not address the recommendation concerning reductions in aid programming or funding for independent media in Africa.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government Not Addressed
76. We agree that increasing public understanding and awareness of the nature of the threats plays an important role in building societal understanding of and resilience to the threat of FIMI, including disinformation. We will continue to highlight the nature of the threat, including through the publication of information on the gov.uk website about UK action to counter FIMI. To date, FCDO has published on gov.uk its action to counter FIMI including exposing the threat from Russia, Russian attempts to subvert democratic processes in Moldova, and the activity, and sanctioning, of several individuals and entities conducting FIMI in the UK and Europe. Alongside awareness raising on the risks of foreign information manipulation and interference we are pursuing media literacy initiatives as these are also critical to building societal resilience to mis- and disinformation. The government’s ‘You Won’t Know Until You Ask’ campaign promotes the core media literacy skills and behaviours which are effective regardless of whether content is foreign-backed or domestically generated. We are considering options to extend or adapt the campaign, including whether it could address FIMI.
Addressee Bodies
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.3 yrs
Report published 27 Mar 2026