The African Union Media Fellowship 2025 (Cohort 3) is now open, with applications accepted until 14 August 2025

Overview

• The African Union Media Fellowship 2025 (Cohort 3) is now open, with applications accepted until 14 August 2025
• This is a 12-month programme, designed to empower African journalists and content creators to produce high-impact stories aligned with Agenda 2063
• Sponsored by the AU Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), in partnership with GIZ on behalf of Germany, the EU Delegation, Africa CDC, and other partners.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a citizen of an African Union member state.
• Open to media professionals, including journalists, bloggers, podcasters, vloggers, and digital creators—ideally with newsroom experience
• Applicants must be 25 years or older.
• At least six years of professional experience in media or content creation.
• Fluent in at least one of the six AU official languages (the working language is English).
• Demonstrated innovation and impact in your media work—as shown through published stories, digital content, or recognized projects
• Freelance journalists require an endorsement letter from a senior editor; content creators require a reference from a professional in the field.
• Must be available for all programme activities and able to travel internationally; valid passport (at least until Dec 2025) and visa documentation required

Thematic Tracks (Select at least one)

Applicants must align their story pitches with Agenda 2063 priorities. The six thematic tracks are:

1. Economic Development & Regional Integration
2. Emerging Economic Sectors: Sports & Creative Industries
3. Agricultural Development & Environmental Management
4. Promoting Good Governance
5. Strengthening Africa’s Public Health Systems (Africa CDC sponsors five fellows here)
6. Infrastructure, Technology & Digital Innovation

Application Requirements & Process

Prepare and submit the following documents via the official AU Media Fellowship Portal:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting relevant media experience (professional format)
2. Cover Letter: One page explaining your motivation, qualifications, and intended impact
3. Story Proposal (Pitch): Use the official template; each pitch should (~200 words) clearly link to a thematic track, include proposed interviewees and platform strategy
4. At least two work samples: Published content demonstrating your storytelling skills
5. Endorsement / Reference Letter: From an editor (journalists) or senior media professional (creative content creators)
6. Confirmation Email: After submission ensure you receive notification of receipt

Fellowship Structure & Timeline

• Aug–Dec 2025: Virtual induction, onboarding, pitch lab, and the first study tour
• Jan–Mar 2026: Mentorship, AU Annual Summit attendance, and story production
• Apr–Jun 2026: Continued content development, workshops, and a second study tour
• Jul–Aug 2026: Final pitch presentations, certification, and closing events

Benefits & What’s Included

• Certified training and masterclasses with media institutions (e.g., BBC Media Action, Deutsche Welle, GIZ)
• Study tours across African countries and possibly Europe
• Mentorship from seasoned media experts and networking with AU policymakers
• Funding or grants to produce your content (story, documentary, multimedia, etc.)
• Inclusion in the AUMF Alumni network for future collaboration
• Exposure to high-level AU events, meetings, and continental leaders

Responsibilities of Fellows

• Attend all training sessions, study tours, and panels (online and in-person)
• Produce and publish pitches/stories aligned with your chosen thematic tracks by given deadlines
• Promote your participation via social media, blogs, and publications
• Clearly note in your outputs that you are part of the AU Media Fellowship
• Collaborate positively with other fellows and complete evaluation interviews at program end

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Key Deadlines & Next Steps

• Application deadline: 14 August 2025
• Programme period: August 2025 – August 2026
• Selection process: Shortlisting → interviews / technical review → final selections by AU panel

Tips for a Strong Application

• Carefully align your pitch with one of the thematic tracks—make clear how it advances Agenda 2063 goals
• Showcase originality and measurable impact in previous work
• Ensure fully polished work samples and a professional endorsement
• Follow formatting and guidelines exactly—incomplete or late applications will not be considered
• Use the AU official application template for your story proposal if provided

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Summary Tabl

Aspect	Details
Deadline	14 August 2025
Duration	12 months (Aug ’25 – Aug ’26)
Track alignment	One of six Agenda 2063 thematic areas
Who can apply	African journalists, content creators 25+ with 6+ years experience
Key deliverables	CV, Cover Letter, Work Samples, Story Pitch, Endorsement Letter
Benefits	Training, mentorship, grant funding, tours, AU access

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.