Deadline: 14-Aug-2025
The African Union Media Fellowship Programme supports Africans in telling their own stories—by Africans, for Africa, and for the world. It promotes credible storytelling that aligns with Africa’s development goals under Agenda 2063, aiming to foster professional growth, cultural exchange, and impactful communication.
The third edition of the Fellowship focuses on three core goals: producing high-quality content, aligning projects with the African Union’s frameworks, and expanding the programme’s reach and influence. Fellows are expected to create content that informs, educates, and inspires audiences across the continent.
One key theme of the Fellowship is Economic Development and Regional Integration. This theme seeks stories that explore Africa’s efforts to deepen economic integration and growth through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), and policies that promote intra-African trade, investment, and tourism. It also includes topics like value chains in mining and green minerals, free movement of people, and strategies for financing development and combating illicit financial flows.
Another theme, Emerging Economic Sectors, focuses on Africa’s sports and creative industries. These sectors are seen as powerful drivers of job creation, youth empowerment, and cultural identity. Story ideas might include the sports economy’s growth, creative sectors like fashion and music, and policies that support their development into major economic contributors.
The Agricultural Development and Environment Management theme invites stories on how Africa is modernizing agriculture, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainability. Topics include investments in agribusiness, climate action through projects like the Great Green Wall, and the potential of Africa’s Blue Economy.
The theme of Good Governance emphasizes the importance of democratic institutions, rule of law, and human rights in building peaceful, stable societies. Fellows are encouraged to tell stories that highlight progress in transparency, accountability, and democratic practices contributing to sustainable development.
Another important focus is Africa’s Public Health Systems, where five fellows will be sponsored by Africa CDC. They will work closely with public health professionals to report on disease preparedness, lessons from recent health crises like COVID-19 and Ebola, vaccine equity, digital tools, and Africa’s growing health infrastructure.
The Infrastructure, Technology, and Digital Innovation theme explores Africa’s drive toward industrialization and technological advancement. Topics include infrastructure development, clean energy, innovation, and the emerging African space industry, all vital for competitiveness in the global economy.
The AU Media Fellowship is open to African citizens from AU member states. Applicants must be journalists, bloggers, podcasters, or digital content creators with at least six years of professional experience. They must be 25 years or older and fluent in any AU official language, with English as the working language. The program looks for individuals who demonstrate creativity, innovation, and a proven impact in their media or content creation careers.
For more information, visit AU.
