Fully Funded African Union (AU) Media Fellowship Programme 2025/2026 - Empowering African Storytellers: Apply Now! -

About the AU Media Fellowship Programme

The African Union (AU) is now accepting applications for its prestigious Media Fellowship Programme 3.0. Are you an African journalist, digital creator, or storyteller committed to reshaping the African narrative? This is for you. The Media Fellowship Programme 3.0 is a fully funded opportunity designed to equip media professionals across the continent with the skills, tools, mentorship, and networks necessary to produce impactful and transformative content. If you’re ready to tell Africa’s story with authority and authenticity, this fellowship could be your breakthrough.

Launched in 2022, the AU Media Fellowship is an initiative of the African Union’s Information and Communication Directorate. It was created to address the growing need for development-oriented journalism in Africa and to support journalists and media professionals in amplifying voices from the continent. The fellowship is guided by three core priorities:

Promoting high-quality and credible media content
Aligning media narratives with the African Union’s Agenda 2063
Expanding outreach and visibility of African stories locally and globally

Fellows receive intensive mentorship, attend exclusive training and study tours, and publish content that contributes to Africa’s growth narrative. The 2025/2026 edition promises to be even more impactful, immersive, and action-oriented.

Eligible Fields

The fellowship is open to a wide range of professionals working within the media space. Eligible fields include:

Journalism
Multimedia production
Podcasting
Digital storytelling
Content strategy
Development communication
News reporting and analysis
Social media influencing (with credible platforms)

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the AU Media Fellowship Programme 3.0, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an African Union member state
Age: Applicants must be 25 years or older
Professional Background: Journalists, podcasters, bloggers, content creators, and digital influencers with a minimum of 6 years of work experience
Language Proficiency: Fluency in any of the AU’s official languages, though the working language for the program is English
Track Record: Evidence of innovation, impact, and professionalism in media or content creation

Selection Criteria

The selection process is merit-based and competitive, involving two main phases:

Phase 1 – Preliminary Screening:

Review of application documents for eligibility and completeness
Evaluation of work samples and professional experience

Phase 2 – In-Depth Assessment:

A rigorous review by an expert panel
Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed
Final selection will be based on diversity, regional representation, and alignment with the AU’s strategic objectives

Eligible Countries

Only African Union member states are eligible. Applicants must be based in Africa and active within African media landscapes.

Benefits of the AU Media Fellowship Programme

The fellowship is fully funded and provides:

Mentorship by senior media professionals with 15+ years of experience
Monthly one-on-one sessions tailored to personal and professional goals
Editorial coaching in pitching, story development, multimedia production, and ethical reporting
Attendance at AU high-level events and summits
Participation in regional and international study tours
Access to training masterclasses and certified online learning
Networking opportunities with other fellows, AU leaders, and global media stakeholders
Opportunity to publish your work through high-visibility AU platforms
Final graduation and official AU certification upon successful completion

The fellowship timelines are as follows:

September – December 2025: Induction, onboarding, certified training, and first study tour
January – March 2026: Active mentorship and attendance at the AU Annual Summit in Addis Ababa
April – June 2026: Participation in AU and partner study tours and workshops
July – August 2026: Continuation of study tours and storytelling projects
September – December 2026: Final project presentations, certification, and graduation ceremony

Note the following:

Attend all training sessions and study tours
Publish approved stories that clearly reference the AU Media Fellowship
Actively engage on social media and tag AU channels
Remain in close communication with the AU Information and Communications Directorate
Ensure content aligns with Agenda 2063 themes and Fellowship guidelines

Required Documents

Interested applicants must prepare and submit the following:

Curriculum Vitae (standard format)
Cover Letter (maximum one page outlining motivation and qualifications)
Two Work Samples (URLs or file uploads showcasing previous storytelling work)

How to Apply

To apply for the AU Media Fellowship Programme 3.0:

Prepare all required documents (CV, cover letter, work samples)
Visit the official application portal
Submit your application before the deadline: August 14, 2025

Final Thoughts

The AU Media Fellowship Programme is more than just a professional development opportunity—it’s a mission to empower African voices and reshape global perceptions through powerful, people-centered storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned journalist or an emerging digital creator, this fellowship will give you the tools, exposure, and platform to tell the African story on your terms.