The KESSA Young Panafrican Storytellers Programme 2026 for young African storytellers. – Opportunities For Africans

Application Deadline: January 5, 2026.

Applications are actually open for the 2026 KESSA Young Panafrican Storytellers Program. KESSA helps the brand new technology of African storytellers — those that write, movie, create, assume, and rework the continent’s narratives. A joint initiative of the UM6P Story School and the French-African Foundation, KESSA goals to help and elevate the abilities who’re shaping a contemporary, daring, and provoking African narrative.

The phrase KESSA, that means “story” in Arabic and in a number of African dialects, embodies this ambition: to amplify tales that resonate, join, and rework.

During an immersive week on the UM6P Story School campus, the 30 chosen laureates will profit from an setting the place creativity, innovation, and storytelling come collectively.

Selection Criteria

Candidates should :

• Be between 25 and 40 years outdated
• Have not less than 5 years of expertise of their discipline
• Demonstrate important artistic observe or narrative work
• Possess an lively and engaged viewers related to Africa
• Contribute to a constructive, structured, and transformative African narrative
• Show sturdy potential for affect

Requirements

KESSA is for those that are shaping and advancing the African narrative:

Creators

• Artists, filmmakers, writers, photographers, designers, performers.

Idea Makers

• Researchers, scientists, intellectuals, innovators.

Media Voices

• Journalists, hosts, podcasters, producers.

Storytellers

• Content creators, influencers, communication specialists.

Impact Builders

• Cultural entrepreneurs, social actors, group leaders.

Benefits

Morocco – Immersive Week

From March 23 to twenty-eight, 2026

Six days of artistic and collaborative experiences :

Masterclasses

• Storytelling, writing, visible narration, journalism, digital tradition, scientific storytelling, narrative management.

Hands-on Workshops

• Audiovisual manufacturing, 360° storytelling, artistic id, collaborative manufacturing.

Inspiring Encounters

• Artists, journalists, cultural entrepreneurs, researchers, African and worldwide creators.

Co-creation

• Production of an authentic work (video, podcast, textual content, or inventive creation).

Visibility

• Pan-African distribution of productions and showcasing of expertise.

– High-level masterclasses
– Hands-on artistic labs
– Meetings with main African and world creators
– A vibrant continental community
– A closing artistic showcase

More than a programme — a group
After the immersive week, members change into part of the KESSA Alumni Network: a rising group of creators, visionaries, and narrative changemakers with entry to Opportunities, collaborations, and long-term help.

Application Timeline

• Applications open: December 10, 2025
• Applications shut: January 10, 2026
• Announcement of the 30 laureates: February 23, 2026

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the KESSA Young Panafrican Storytellers Program