Deadline: January 10, 2026
The KESSA Young Panafrican Storytellers Program 2026 is a prestigious pan-African creative residency and professional development initiative designed to support emerging African storytellers who are shaping powerful, authentic, and transformative narratives about Africa.
This programme brings together some of the continent’s most promising writers, filmmakers, journalists, digital creators, researchers, photographers, and cultural entrepreneurs to strengthen storytelling skills, foster collaboration, and amplify African voices on a global stage.
About the KESSA Young Panafrican Storytellers Program 2026
The KESSA Young Panafrican Storytellers Program 2026 is a joint initiative of the UM6P Story School at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco and the French-African Foundation.
The programme is built to redefine how African stories are told by empowering creatives whose work challenges stereotypes, explores complex realities, and contributes to a positive, future-focused African narrative.
Through immersive learning, collaboration, and creative production, selected participants are equipped with advanced tools, networks, and platforms to scale the impact of their storytelling across Africa and beyond.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen Africa-centred storytelling across creative and media sectors
- Support innovative narratives that reflect Africa’s diversity and complexity
- Develop participants’ professional, technical, and leadership capacities
- Foster cross-border collaboration among African creatives
- Build a long-term network of influential African storytellers
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to emerging African storytellers who meet the following criteria:
- Must be African nationals
- Aged 25 to 40 years
- Have a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in storytelling or a related creative field
- Demonstrate a strong portfolio or body of work
- Have an active and engaged audience connected to Africa
- Show commitment to positive, transformative African narratives
- Exhibit high potential for impact within their sector
Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to:
- Writers and authors
- Filmmakers and audiovisual creators
- Journalists and media professionals
- Photographers and visual artists
- Digital content creators
- Researchers and cultural practitioners
- Creative and cultural entrepreneurs
Number of Selected Participants
A total of 30 laureates will be selected for the 2026 cohort.
Programme Structure and Residency
Selected participants will take part in a one-week immersive creative residency hosted in Morocco at the UM6P Story School campus.
Residency Dates
- 23 – 28 March 2026
What Participants Will Gain
Participants selected for the KESSA Young Panafrican Storytellers Program 2026 will benefit from:
- A fully immersive one-week residency in Morocco
- Advanced masterclasses in storytelling, journalism, digital culture, and narrative leadership
- Practical hands-on workshops in audiovisual production and 360-degree storytelling
- Opportunities for collaboration with African and international creatives
- Professional encounters with industry leaders and cultural influencers
- The opportunity to co-create original storytelling projects (video, podcast, written or artistic works)
- Long-term inclusion in the KESSA alumni network, offering continued access to opportunities, collaborations, and professional growth
Key Dates to Note
- Applications Open: 10 December 2025
- Application Deadline: 10 January 2026 (midnight, local time)
- Announcement of Selected Laureates: 23 February 2026
- Residency Period: 23 – 28 March 2026
How to Apply
Applications for the KESSA Young Panafrican Storytellers Program 2026 are submitted online. Applicants are expected to provide:
- A professional portfolio or samples of previous work
- Evidence of audience engagement or reach
- A clear narrative statement outlining the impact and relevance of their storytelling
Need Support With Your Application?
We provide professional support services to help you strengthen your application, including:
- Proposal drafting
- Application refinement
- Content review and strategic feedback
👉 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to improve your chances of selection.
