Application Deadline: August 2nd 2020

Are you working on something that you think could reshape media or journalism in southern Africa? Do you have skills you could apply to creating great new media? Do you have the energy and commitment to create something great?

We are looking for committed and creative journalists and media makers who are passionate about fixing what isn’t working in southern African media, who want to create new media to serve new audiences, or bring new conversations or ideas to the public.

Jamlab is Africa’s first journalism and media accelerator and innovation lab. Our six-month hothouse accelerator programme for journalism and media innovators offers a unique opportunity to fast-track your initiative. It will provide you with the tools, facilities, contacts, and support necessary to realise your ideas and ambitions.

We welcome applications from the following southern African countries: Angola; Botswana; eSwatini; Lesotho; Madagascar; Malawi; Mauritius; Mozambique; Namibia; Seychelles; Zambia and Zimbabwe.

This is the first southern Africa programme we are running and will largely take place virtually due to the Covid-19 travel restrictions imposed by numerous countries in Africa and the rest of the world. The programme will run from September 2020 to February 2021 and is supported by Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct and Civicus.

The six teams which selected from southern Africa will receive the following:

• Virtual mentorship and coaching from experienced media, start-up and tech experts and entrepreneurs.
• Free places on a three-month media entrepreneurship course
• Access to a technical support development team.
• Opportunities to pitch to potential investors, funders and various stakeholders with a MVP (minimum viable product).
• Access to network which includes but not limited to Programme Alumni.

Sixteen teams have taken part in three iterations of the Jamlab Accelerator Programme in South Africa and five of them succeeded in securing additional investment immediately after the programme.

How do you apply?

Complete this short application form to capture your details and confirm your eligibility and ability to participate.

You will be asked to write a short pitch setting out your idea for a new journalism start-up or describing your existing venture and your ideas for growing and developing it further. Include in this pitch why and how your venture is innovating in the space.

You will also be asked to provide short resumes of your key team, including a line on each one’s role in the venture.

Successful teams will need a steady internet and have a good command of speaking and writing in English.

Deadline for Applications

The deadline for applications is 17:00 (South African Time), Wednesday 2 August 2020.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch in August, 2020.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the 2020 Jamlab Accelerator Programme southern Africa