Deadline: July 6, 2025
Are you a passionate human rights or media lawyer based in sub-Saharan Africa? The Media Defence Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery 2025 is now open for applications. This prestigious program is designed to equip lawyers with practical litigation tools to defend and advance freedom of expression (FOE) through strategic legal interventions.
About the Media Defence Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery 2025
The Media Defence Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery 2025 is a unique legal training program that brings together lawyers working on FOE issues from across sub-Saharan Africa. Hosted in Windhoek, Namibia, from September 22–24, 2025, the surgery allows participants to refine ongoing or planned litigation, share strategies, and build cross-border legal networks.
Organized by Media Defence, this initiative aims to strengthen legal frameworks that protect digital rights, press freedom, and online expression by training and mentoring regional lawyers in strategic litigation techniques.
What to Expect
During the litigation surgery, participants will:
- Present a freedom of expression case (in litigation or planning stages)
- Engage in peer-to-peer learning and expert feedback
- Deepen understanding of national, regional, and international FOE law
- Explore digital rights and internet freedom litigation strategies
- Attend the FIFAfrica Conference 2025 (September 24–26, 2025)
Who Should Apply?
The program is open to:
- Qualified lawyers living and working in sub-Saharan Africa
- Legal professionals from private practice or NGOs involved in media law, digital rights, or related human rights litigation
- Lawyers who can speak, write, and present in English
- Candidates who are currently litigating or developing a freedom of expression-related case, including issues around defamation, press restrictions, journalist protection, digital surveillance, or online censorship
Note: Lawyers without prior FOE litigation experience may still be considered if they demonstrate strong human rights litigation backgrounds and a compelling case proposal.
Financial Support and Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- Return flights and local transport to Windhoek
- Hotel accommodation for the entire duration of the litigation surgery and the FIFAfrica Conference
- Daily stipend and allowance
- Caregiving support stipend (~£50/day) for participants traveling with dependents
Participants will also receive a free FIFAfrica Conference pass as part of the program benefits.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to:
- Submit a case study outlining a current or proposed freedom of expression litigation
- Complete the online application form via the link below before the deadline on July 6, 2025
👉 Click here to apply for the Litigation Surgery
📖 Read more about the programme
Expert Advice from Grant Database
At Grants Database, we recommend that applicants focus on the relevance and urgency of the case they present. Select a matter that involves significant threats to press freedom, online expression, or legal challenges faced by journalists and civil society actors. Be specific about the legal strategy you intend to use, and highlight how attending the litigation surgery will strengthen your case.
📌 Tip: Prepare a clear and concise case narrative with legal grounding in both national and international FOE frameworks. Your application should show potential for impact beyond the immediate case.
For expert help with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact: grantsdatabase.org
Take advantage of this fully funded opportunity to sharpen your litigation skills, contribute to the regional fight for freedom of expression, and connect with fellow legal professionals across the continent. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Media Defence Sub-Saharan Africa Litigation Surgery 2025.
