Application Deadline: August 14 2025
Applications are now open for the African Union (AU) Media Fellowship Programme. The AU Media Fellowship 3.0 is guided by three core priorities: producing high-quality, impactful content; ensuring strong alignment with the objectives and institutional frameworks of the African Union; and expanding outreach to maximise the Fellowship’s reach and influence. By balancing these strategic areas, the Fellowship aims to remain sustainable, institutionally anchored, and scalable driving credible storytelling that supports Africa’s development agenda as outlined in Agenda 2063.
Launched in 2022, the African Union (AU) Media Fellowship is an initiative designed to provide a dedicated platform for African journalists and content producers to strengthen their capacity to reframe the African narrative and advance developmental journalism through the use of new and emerging technologies.
Mentorship Model
Each fellow is paired with a dedicated mentor—an accomplished media professional with over 15 years of experience in journalism, news management, content creation, or media strategy. Mentors are carefully selected based on their expertise, regional representation, and alignment with the thematic priorities of Agenda 2063. Their contributions go far beyond coaching; they serve as trusted advisors, role models, and collaborators in shaping high-quality, impactful storytelling.
The mentorship model includes:
- Monthly mentorship sessions tailored to each fellow’s goals and project needs
- Editorial guidance on story development, structure, sourcing, and ethical standards
- Connection to networks, tools, and resources within the African and global media landscape
- Practical support on pitching, multimedia production, and cross-platform storytelling
The programme follows a blended approach that combines structured mentoring with real-world newsroom application. Fellows work hands-on with their mentors to refine and deliver compelling media outputs, using newsroom methodologies and a results-driven approach that ensures measurable impact.
Eligibility Requirements
The AU Media Fellowship is committed to a fair and merit-based selection process. It is open to all African journalists and content creators who meet the following criteria:
African Citizens:
Applicants must be citizens of an African Union member state.
Media Professionals:
Journalists, bloggers, podcasters, and digital creators, especially those with newsroom experience.
Age:
Applicants must be 25 years old or above.
Experience:
Minimum of 6 years of work in media or content creation.
Language:
Fluency in any AU official language. Working language is English.
Professional Impact:
Demonstrated talent, innovation, and impact in media or digital content fields.
Selection Process
PHASE 1:Eligibility Screening & Initial Review
- Submission Review: Applications are assessed for completeness, alignment with fellowship goals, and eligibility criteria.
- Technical Evaluation: A panel evaluates candidates’ professional experience, portfolio quality, and demonstrated impact in African storytelling.
PHASE 2:In-Depth Assessment & Final Selection
- Expert Panel Review: Shortlisted candidates undergo rigorous evaluation aligned with fellowship goals and criteria.
- Interviews/Vetting: Top applicants may participate in interviews and submit supplementary materials.
- Final Approval: Selected fellows are announced based on merit, diversity, and potential to drive the fellowship’s vision.
Expectations
- Ensure pitches align with the thematic tracks of the Cohort 3 AU Media Fellowship programme.
- Attend the Media Fellowship Training and Media Fellowship study tours.
- Attend AU meetings and events, when necessary, as guided by AU.
- Ensure timely publication of their stories in their media outlets or other media outlets in the case of freelancers.
- Ensure that published stories/content reflect that they are part of the AU Media Fellowship programme.
- Maintain close and regular communication with the AU Information and Communications Directorate throughout the fellowship.
- Engage actively on AU and partner social media channels and tag them throughout the fellowship to share updates.
Application Process:
- Step 1: Curriculum Vitae – Please use a standard starndard format
- Step 2: Cover letter: A one-page document outlining your motivation, qualifications, and experience.
- Step 3: Work samples: Submit the link to two work samples.
Fellowship Timeline:
- SEP – DEC 2025: Induction, onboarding, and first study tour. Fellows begin pitch stories and complete online certified training and masterclasses.
- JAN – MAR 2026: 1-on-1 mentorship. Fellows attend AU events and visit AU HQ during the Annual Summit to produce pitch stories.
- APR – JUN 2026: AU/Partner study tour, in-person training, and continued participation in best practice sharing.
- JUL – AUG 2026: Another round of AU/Partner study tours and continued best practice training and sharing.
- SEP – DEC 2026: Fellows present final stories, receive certificates, and attend the closing ceremony.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the African Union (AU) Media Fellowship Programme
