In a small community radio station in Banjul, a young journalist once asked:
“What if African stories didn’t need permission to be told?”
Thousands of miles away, a digital content creator in Nairobi was editing a video that showed a local innovation solving a global problem, but it struggled to get picked up by mainstream media.
These storytellers, and many more like them, are the reason the African Union Media Fellowship Programme was born. And now, in its latest 2025 cohort, it’s opening its doors once again to writers, videographers, podcasters, and media leaders who believe Africa’s narrative is overdue for a rewrite by Africans, for the world.
Why This Fellowship Matters. Now More Than Ever
Africa is rising. But its voice is still muffled. In global headlines, our continent is often a backdrop to crises, rarely the author of its own potential.
The AU Media Fellowship seeks to flip that script. With training, mentorship, and international exposure, it equips African media professionals with the tools and platforms to tell stories that reflect the Africa we live in, dream of, and build daily.
This isn’t just a program; it’s a movement. One that says:
"We don’t just report change — we influence it."
Who It’s For
Are you a journalist covering climate justice in Malawi? A data visualizer in Dakar? A podcast producer spotlighting entrepreneurs in Kigali?
Then this fellowship is for you.
The AU is looking for emerging media leaders from across the continent who:
- Use digital, traditional or experimental media to shape public opinion
- Engage in social impact storytelling or solutions journalism
- Have a track record of elevating African perspectives
- Are eager to collaborate across borders and platforms
In return, fellows get access to:
- World-class media training
- Cross-country exchange opportunities
- AU policy engagement and thematic workshops
- Global exposure and placement support
A Launchpad for Pan-African Influence
Previous fellows have gone on to launch their own media platforms, join international newsrooms, and consult on policy reform around misinformation, youth engagement, and tech in media.
One 2023 fellow from Ethiopia built a digital archive of rural women’s climate adaptation strategies. Another from Senegal created a mobile newsroom to reach underserved regions.
This is what happens when African storytellers are empowered with purpose, skill, and a continental network.
Deadline Is Approaching: Will You Step Forward?
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open. This is your chance to not just report Africa’s transformation but to shape it.
Because storytelling is no longer just a craft. It’s a currency of influence.
And in today’s Africa, the microphone is shifting to those bold enough to speak with clarity, creativity, and truth.
How to Apply
Deadline: August 11, 2025
Interested? You can apply HERE
