Misinformation is a significant risk to educated citizenship in Angola, as traditional and digital media function in a socio-political environment characterized by restricted press freedom and increasing digital availability. This study explores how community networks and grassroots strategies can enhance critical media literacy and combat the dissemination of misinformation. Based on qualitative data from three focus groups (N = 21) in Luanda, the research shows that individuals heavily depend on informal networks such as family, friends, and local leaders to verify information and navigate the media environment.

Participants discussed the difficulties in identifying reliable information amid misinformation on online platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. Even though traditional media is frequently mistrusted because of political biases, community discussions have become essential for collectively fact-checking and sharing information. Nevertheless, these casual tactics do not suffice to combat the extensive and complex spread of misinformation, highlighting the immediate requirement for community-based media literacy programs.

This paper suggests combining community-based methods with formal education systems to increase resilience against misinformation. It showcases instances in African settings where grassroots media literacy initiatives have effectively increased public awareness and critical thinking skills. For example, Wasserman and Madrid-Morales (2019) show how trust networks in Kenya and South Africa reduce the effects of misinformation using community-based verification methods. Similarly, Nyabola (2018) highlights the significance of tailored, culturally appropriate education in enabling audiences to interact critically with media. Moyo et al. (2020) support these results, stating that media literacy needs to evolve to match the dynamic and mixed character of African media landscapes.

The research adds to more extensive discussions about misinformation and understanding media, providing perspectives on how local tactics can combat inherent weaknesses in the Angolan media environment. It underscores the potential of grassroots initiatives to support formal education through informal networks and community-driven methods. The paper highlights the potential of bottom-up initiatives to complement formal education in fostering resilience against disinformation and promoting informed citizenship.

Keywords: Community networks, disinformation, media literacy, civic and critical literacies, audiences, citizen participation.