Apply Now: AI Journalism Innovation Fellowship for Southern Africa

Deadline: 23 November 2025

Journalists and newsrooms throughout Southern Africa are invited to apply for the AI Journalism Innovation Fellowship, a programme designed to advance public service journalism by accountable and cutting-edge synthetic intelligence options. This fellowship is obtainable by DW Akademie’s Dialogue Fund and goals to help media practitioners who’re prepared to mix innovation with integrity.

About the Fellowship

The AI Journalism Innovation Fellowship focuses on sensible, moral and impactful functions of synthetic intelligence inside journalism. The programme seeks concepts that leverage AI — together with machine studying, generative AI or pure language processing — to raised serve audiences, improve newsroom effectivity and strengthen the reliability of data.

DW Akademie is looking for forward-thinking groups dedicated to growing AI instruments and strategies that deal with actual challenges in media whereas upholding the rules of fact, transparency and public curiosity journalism.

What Selected Teams Will Receive

Each profitable staff will profit from complete help designed to convey their AI mission to life. The fellowship bundle contains:

• A €4,000 fellowship grant to develop and implement the proposed concept
• Specialised teaching and technical steering all through the programme
• Training in human-centred design and journalism-focused product improvement
• Participation within the in-person IdeaLab in Windhoek, Namibia, for as much as two staff members
• Membership in a regional neighborhood of media innovators for ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing

Programme Structure

The fellowship begins with an intensive IdeaLab week from 26–30 January 2026 in Windhoek, Namibia. During this stage, contributors refine their ideas, prototype their AI instruments and have interaction with different innovators engaged on comparable challenges.

After the IdeaLab, groups enter the construct part, the place they proceed growing their mission with seed funding, mentorship and technical help. Participants may also be part of common digital periods to trace progress, alternate suggestions and strengthen their options.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the fellowship, candidates should meet the next necessities:

• Based in Namibia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini or Lesotho
• At least 21 years outdated and holding a legitimate passport
• Supported by their newsroom or organisation
• Committed to moral journalism and public service values
• Available to take part in each in-person and digital programme actions

The programme is open not solely to conventional newsrooms but in addition to civil-society organisations that interact in journalistic work, together with fact-checking teams, data suppliers and neighborhood media platforms.

How to Apply

Submit your pitch earlier than 23 November 2025 and take the chance to assist form the way forward for journalism in Southern Africa by accountable AI innovation.

Application hyperlink: here.

For extra alternatives, click on right here.

 

 

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