African Union Media Fellowship Programme 2023-2024

In an age where media has transformed from mere reportage to an art form that melds technology, content, and narrative, The African Union Media Fellowship Programme for 2023-2024 emerges as a luminary. This ambitious endeavour beckons the crème de la crème of African media mavens, those who bear a fervent passion for spotlighting development narratives through the prism of burgeoning technologies spanning an array of media.

Origins and Purpose

Conceived under the vigilant aegis of the Information and Communication Directorate (ICD) of the African Union (AU), this fellowship stands testament to Africa’s ambition — an ambition that dreams of an Africa steering its own narrative, an Africa resonating its tapestry of progress, potential, and plenitude to both its own sons and daughters and the global audience. The crucible that moulds this dream? The innovative embrace of digital technologies as pivotal instruments of communication and engagement, aimed to propel the continent towards the zenith of Africa’s Agenda 2063.

Providing a robust backbone to this project is the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), championing the cause on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Core Tenets of The AU Media Fellowship Programme

1. Skill Development

The AUMF is more than just a title. It is a crucible for honing. Within its structured ambience, participants metamorphose, enriching their analytical prowess, mastering the art of content creation, and elevating their storytelling narratives. Training, mentorship, hands-on experiences — all converge, granting participants the magic touch in leveraging emergent technologies and digital media paradigms.

2. Networking & Collaboration

AUMF is also a confluence. It’s where minds meet, ideas collide, and innovations emerge. Participants find themselves amidst a nexus of industry stalwarts, content curators, policy architects, and industry linchpins.

3. Access to Resources

Where skills and networks form the body, resources are the soul of the AUMF. Fellows gain unfettered access to a trove — be it avant-garde technologies, research repositories, publishing platforms, or broadcasting tools. All meticulously curated to augment their journey.

Entitlements and Opportunities

• Certified training from illustrious media institutions.
• Grants: Catalysts that fuel in-depth stories and e-compilations.
• An exclusive passport to AU’s top echelons, seminal events, policymakers, and collaborators.
• Masterclasses by industry titans.
• Mentorship: Guided journeys with experienced torchbearers and a golden ticket to prestigious media events.
• International and continental sojourns for study and exploration.
• Ingress to the coveted AU Media Fellowship Alumni network.

The Journey’s Tapestry

This 12-month odyssey, slated for a grand curtain-raiser in August 2023, is punctuated with numerous milestones:

• Aug – Dec 2023: Post selection, fellows embark on their initial study tours, immerse in virtual inductions, onboard trainings, and chisel their pitch stories, further augmented by online trainings and industry masterclasses.
• Jan – Mar 2024: The second study tour ensues, complemented by in-person training, mentorship, and another series of certified online trainings. February 2024 is earmarked for the illustrious Annual African Union Summit, a mosaic of leadership, learning, and linkage.
• Apr – Jun 2024: The final leg of the study tours, interspersed with intensive training and best practice sessions.
• July 2024: A grand culmination where fellows showcase their masterpieces, are felicitated, and partake in the closing ceremonies.

Application Prerequisites

Hopefuls should append:

• A meticulously filled application form (inclusive of travel documentation).
• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae.
• Two pristine work samples (in English or supplemented with English translations).
• A captivating pitch story aligned with Agenda 2063 themes.
• A letter of endorsement (tailored as per employment status).
• Publication guarantees: For salaried journalists, a letter ensuring story publication as part of AUMF; for freelancers and content creators, a dedicated section in the application form.

Apply Here

For a deeper delve: More Information

Application Deadline: 23rd July 2023.