BANOUTO, a Beninese media organization, has launched a training program aimed at equipping local information actors with the skills to identify and combat misinformation in local languages. The program targets journalists, digital content creators, influencers, and local information relays from the Grand Nokoué region, including Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Sèmè-Podji, Porto-Novo, and Ouidah. The initiative seeks to promote the integrity of information and enhance the capacity of local actors to produce and disseminate reliable content.
The three-day training program, scheduled to take place in Cotonou from November 16 to 18, 2026, will focus on verifying information and combating disinformation in both digital spaces and local communities. Although the training sessions will be conducted in French, participants are expected to be actively involved in producing, transmitting, or disseminating information in local languages. The program aims to enable participants to adapt verification practices and reliable content to the linguistic and sociocultural realities of their audiences.
To be eligible for the program, candidates must reside in Parakou and belong to one of the following categories: journalists and presenters from local radio stations, digital content creators in local languages, social media influencers in local languages, or local information relays and community actors in local languages. Interested individuals are required to submit their applications through an online form by November 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM Benin time.
A total of 25 participants will be selected for the program, which is designed to contribute to the enhancement of local information actors' capacities and the promotion of reliable, accessible, and linguistically adapted information. BANOUTO's initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the quality of information disseminated in local communities, ultimately fostering a more informed public.
The program's focus on local languages is crucial, as it acknowledges the importance of communicating information in a way that is accessible and understandable to diverse populations. By empowering local information actors with the skills to verify and counter misinformation, BANOUTO aims to promote a culture of critical thinking and media literacy in Benin.
The training program is part of BANOUTO's broader efforts to promote the integrity of information and combat disinformation in Benin. By investing in the capacity of local information actors, the organization seeks to contribute to a more informed and engaged citizenry, ultimately enhancing the country's democratic processes.
The selection process for the program is expected to be competitive, with candidates evaluated based on their relevance to the program's objectives and their potential to contribute to the promotion of reliable information in local communities. Successful applicants will be notified in due course, and the program's impact is expected to be monitored and evaluated over time.
Key points
- BANOUTO's training program aims to equip 25 local information actors with the skills to verify and counter misinformation in local languages.
- The program targets journalists, digital content creators, influencers, and local information relays from the Grand Nokoué region.
- The training program will take place in Cotonou from November 16 to 18, 2026.
