The African Union (AU) is now accepting applications for the 2025 AU Media Fellowship, an initiative designed to empower African media professionals to tell compelling stories that shape the continent’s narrative and drive development.
Launched to strengthen African journalism and digital storytelling, the Fellowship supports media practitioners who produce high-quality, impactful content aligned with the AU’s goals and values, while amplifying the reach and visibility of African voices globally.
Fellowship Focus Areas
The programme encourages story proposals that align with one or more of the following thematic areas:
1. Economic Development & Regional Integration
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Coverage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its impact on trade, investment, and tourism
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Stories on regional infrastructure and integration efforts like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)
2. Emerging Economic Sectors – Sports & Creative Industries
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Exploration of Africa’s growing sports economy and its influence on youth development and tourism
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Focus on Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) such as music, film, fashion, gaming, and publishing
3. Agricultural Development & Environmental Management
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Reporting on climate-smart agriculture and food security through the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP)
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Climate resilience initiatives like renewable energy, reforestation, and the Great Green Wall
4. Promoting Good Governance
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Investigative and feature stories on how good governance supports peace, development, and citizen participation
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Focus on transparency, accountability, and rule of law initiatives
5. Strengthening Africa’s Public Health Systems
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Sponsored by Africa CDC, this track supports five fellows in producing stories on Africa’s public health priorities
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Suggested topics include: lessons from pandemics (COVID-19, Ebola, mpox), vaccine equity, and health system strengthening
6. Infrastructure, Technology & Digital Innovation
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Coverage of transformative investments in infrastructure, emerging technologies, and clean energy
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How innovation is fueling industrialisation and positioning Africa in the global digital economy
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be a citizen of an AU member state
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Be 25 years or older
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Have a minimum of six years experience in journalism or digital content creation
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Be a journalist, blogger, podcaster, or digital media professional, preferably with newsroom experience
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Be fluent in any AU official language (working language is English)
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Demonstrate proven talent, creativity, and impact in media or digital storytelling
How to Apply
Follow this link to begin your application before the deadline on August 14, 2025
The African Union (AU) is inviting applications for the 2025 AU Media Fellowship aimed at empowering African media professionals to create impactful stories that contribute to shaping the continent's narrative and development. The initiative supports journalism and digital storytelling aligned with the AU's values and amplifies African voices globally. The Fellowship encourages proposals in various focus areas: Economic Development & Regional Integration, Emerging Economic Sectors such as Sports & Creative Industries, Agricultural Development & Environmental Management, Good Governance, Strengthening Public Health Systems, and Infrastructure, Technology & Digital Innovation.
Applicants must be citizens of AU member states, 25 years or older, with at least six years of journalism or digital content creation experience. They should be proficient in an AU official language and exhibit proven talent and creativity in media or digital storytelling. Applications are to be submitted by August 14, 2025, through the provided link.
