Deadline: March 6, 2026
The AAOSI Fellowship for Journalists in East Africa/West Africa and the Sahel Region (2026) is now open for applications. This prestigious fellowship, organised by the African Academy for Open Source Investigation (AAOSI) and implemented by Code for Africa (CfA), is designed to strengthen investigative reporting across the continent through advanced open-source intelligence skills.
If you are a journalist passionate about countering disinformation, tackling information manipulation, and producing evidence-driven reporting, this opportunity is designed for you.
In this post, you will find complete details about the AAOSI Fellowship for Journalists in East Africa/West Africa and the Sahel Region (2026), including eligibility criteria, benefits, application deadline, and how to apply.
About the AAOSI Fellowship
The AAOSI Fellowship aims to empower African journalists with practical skills in:
- Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
- Social Media Intelligence (SOCMINT)
- Investigative digital verification techniques
- Evidence-based reporting methods
The programme focuses on equipping journalists to address:
- Disinformation and misinformation
- Information manipulation campaigns
- Hate speech and online harassment
- Digital propaganda
- Misuse of technology in media spaces
Through structured mentorship and hands-on technical training, fellows will gain the expertise required to conduct high-impact investigative journalism in increasingly complex digital environments.
Fellowship Structure and Duration
- Duration: 4 months (2026)
- Number of Fellows: 6 journalists
- Mode: Online training and mentorship with practical reporting deliverables
Selected fellows will be required to produce two verified, evidence-based investigative reports during the fellowship period.
Fellowship Benefits
Participants in the AAOSI Fellowship for Journalists in East Africa/West Africa and the Sahel Region (2026) will receive:
- A monthly stipend throughout the four-month programme
- Intensive technical training in OSINT and SOCMINT
- Dedicated mentorship from Code for Africa’s expert teams
- Editorial and publishing support
- Assistance with syndication and amplification of published stories
This fellowship is not just a training programme — it is a capacity-building initiative that supports real investigative outputs.
Eligible Countries
Journalists must be based in one of the following countries:
Sahel Region
- Burkina Faso
- Chad
- Mali
- Niger
- Senegal
West Africa
- Benin
- Cameroon
- Guinea
- Togo
East Africa
- Ethiopia
- Somalia
- South Sudan
Applicants must reside and work in one of the above-listed countries at the time of application.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the AAOSI Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be based in one of the eligible countries listed above.
- Have at least one year of professional journalism experience, preferably in investigative or data journalism.
- Provide proof of previously published reports.
- Be affiliated with a newsroom, digital news outlet, or relevant media organisation (freelancers affiliated with media platforms are also eligible).
- Demonstrate commitment to publishing fellowship work on public platforms.
- Be available to participate in regular online training and mentorship sessions.
- Be willing to share acquired skills within their newsroom or professional network.
- Be fluent in English or French.
Diversity and Inclusion
Women journalists and journalists with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline
- Deadline: Friday, 6 March 2026
Late applications may not be considered, so early submission is strongly advised.
Why Apply?
The AAOSI Fellowship for Journalists in East Africa/West Africa and the Sahel Region (2026) provides a unique opportunity to deepen investigative skills in digital verification and open-source research.
With increasing digital manipulation and misinformation across Africa, journalists equipped with OSINT and SOCMINT skills are essential to safeguarding democratic discourse and strengthening public accountability.
This fellowship offers practical tools, mentorship, financial support, and international visibility for investigative work that matters.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible journalists can begin their application process through the official channels below:
👉 Read More About the Programme
Need Support With Your Application?
If you require professional assistance with proposal drafting, refining, or reviewing your application before submission, contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.
Ensure your application stands out with clarity, precision, and strong positioning.
Apply before the deadline and take the next step in advancing investigative journalism across Africa.
