Application Deadline: 21 April 2025 – 18.00 East African Time.
Applications are now open for the 2025 CIPESA Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Journalism Fellowship. This regional fellowship aims to build a new generation of journalists with the knowledge and skills to investigate and report on Digital Public Infrastructure and Digital Public Goods (DPGs). The fellowship is inspired by a similar Co-Develop-funded initiative implemented by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), which supported fellows to produce over 100 impactful stories that spurred public debate and influenced policy.
Through rigorous training, mentorship, and financial support, selected journalists will explore the promises, challenges, and lived experiences related to DPI across Eastern Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to journalists based in the following Eastern Africa countries:
Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Applicants must:
- Be a practicing journalist with at least three years of professional experience.
- Demonstrate strong interest or experience in reporting on digital technologies, governance, human rights, or development.
- Be proficient in English or French.
- Be available to fully participate in the three-month fellowship and in post-fellowship activities.
- Be affiliated with a credible media outlet willing to support their reporting.
Fellowship Details
Duration: 6 months (June–December 2025).
Structure:
- June 2025: Virtual training workshops and editorial guidance.
- July 2025: Story development and mentoring.
- August 2025: In-person workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, peer learning, and advanced training.
Outputs: Each Fellow is expected to produce at least three high-quality, published stories on DPI or DPGs during the fellowship.
Benefits
- A grant of up to USD 1,500 to support story production.
- Access to reporting grants post-fellowship.
- Mentorship from senior journalists and digital policy experts.
- Certificate of Completion.
- Travel, accommodation, and incidental expenses for the in-person workshop
Selection Process
The selection will be based on merit and demonstrated interest in DPI-related reporting. The process includes:
- Initial application screening.
- Interviews with shortlisted candidates.
- Final selection by a panel of media and policy experts.
- Women and early-career journalists are strongly encouraged to apply.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the CIPESA Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Journalism Fellowship
