Brief Description of the Fellow:

Aïssatou Fofana is a freelance journalist with a strong background in environmental journalism, a communication specialist and consultant, and a blogger. Based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, she is GIJN’s Francophone Africa Editorial Assistant for the GIJN Afrique program. As a media entrepreneur, she recently co-founded an online media, L’écologiste, to amplify environmental information.

Story Title:

LEADING WOMEN IN MINING IN WEST AFRICAN

Story Project Highlight:

The idea is to tell the human story of three people, representing an under-represented community of women, but who are fighting to make their way despite all the challenges, in the mining sector in Côte d'Ivoire and Togo. In the end, I was able to interview 7 of them. It was very enriching and revealing to hear these women's stories. They are full of lessons and advice.

Link 1 Les Femmes Dans Le Secteur Minier  :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcrFTD8y4uI

Link 2 Les Femmes Dans Le Secteur Minier  :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGaPhM9Etvw

Takeaway from AUMF:

1. Capacity building (trainings) and new skills learned (mobile journalism, storytelling,)
2. I’m now connected to the other fellows. So we can develop projects together, work in transnational projects, which is great.
3. I know more about AU, their work and projects. And the possibility to have access to this information while writing stories is beneficial.
4. The AUMF added a great value to my professional profile

Brief Description of the Fellow:

Esther Namuhisa :

Esther is a Tanzanian journalist and AUMF first cohort. She is a Senior Journalist social media lead with BBC Swahili, with 15 years’ experience working for both national and International Media. In her current job, she has the privilege of leading digital content and managing social media platforms across East Africa.

Fellow Name: Cecilia Maundu

Brief Description of the Fellow:

Cecilia Maundu :

Cecilia is a Kenyan broadcast journalist, a digital rights researcher and trainer. She is also an African Union Media Fellow and a podcaster. She has a podcast called “Digital Dada Podcast”. A podcast focused on online violence against women and digital security. It aims to change the narrative and perceptions that online violence is not “real violence.”

Story Title:

DIGITAL SECURITY TOOLKIT FOR WOMEN JOURNALISTS

Story Project Highlight:

We produced a digital security toolkit for female university students in Africa and we launched it in Dar es Salaam and Ivory Coast. The toolkit is made in pdf format, and available English, Swahili and French.

This toolkit isn’t just a guide; it’s an ally. A bridge between knowledge and application. It aimed to empower female journalism students like you to navigate the digital space with confidence, ensuring their voices are heard, unhindered and unthreatened.

Chapters

Module 01: Background on how violence has moved from offline to online

• Lack enough resources

Most of them are from global environment and we wanted to produce local content because we understand their environment.

Module 02: Online Gender-Based Violence

Understanding the Different Forms of OGBV+ Its impact on Psychological, Social, & Professional Impacts on Victims

• Recognizing and Responding to Signs of Digital Harassment

Module 03: Digital Security & Safety

• How to keep your information safe
• Privacy Settings

Module 04: Data protection

• Tanzania and Kenya data protection law

Module 05: Disinformation & Misinformation

                - Recognizing Misinformation and Biases Online

                - Strategies for Verifying Information and Fact-Checking

Module 06: Role of Media of Main Streaming Countering OGBV

• The missing issues of online violence on mainstream media

Module 07: Cyber Communities

Module 08: Legal Rights & Reporting Mechanisms

• Shelf life for this kit
• The laws are not very clear

Module 09:

• Selfcare

Module 10: Stories of Resilience

• Personal narratives of female journalists overcoming online violence:

Link: Digital Security Toolkit for Female Journalism Students

https://au.int/en/documents/20241106/digital-security-toolkit-female-jou...

Takeaway from AUMF:

• Writing our own Africa stories and create the Africa We want
• Our Digital security Toolkit to be used by all female students studying journalism
• It’s a good platform for African journalists

Brief Description of the Fellow:

Johnson is a Rwandan journalist and one of the 15 selected for AUMF’s inaugural cohort.

He has worked over 8 years as a multi-platform journalist at Nation Media Group and won the African journalist of the year 2017 (Africa Press Organization).

He has been published locally and in renowned regional and international publications namely The EastAfrican, TRT Afrika, The Guardian, and others.

He has Founded NewsPaper Africa as well, and has used media entrepreneurship to raise the profile and spark constructive debate of (underreported) issues that matter the most in daily lives of ordinary people across Africa.

Johnson has Leveraged the platform created by the AUMF to produce compelling coverage of key continental issues (trade, integration, migration, climate change, etc), and key global and continental conferences namely COP27); AU Industrialization Summit; ACS, and annual International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA).

Story Title:

3 part Report: SPOTLIGHTING TRADING UNDER AfCFTA

Story Project Highlight:

A three-part in-depth special report published in NewsPaper Africa, with segments in form opinion pieces published by TRT Afrika, and disseminated on social media platforms. This Project highlights opportunities lying ahead for youth and women and hurdles holding them back. It gives attention to pending issues i.e free movement of people, &currency of trade and convertibility problems. It also brings diverse voices into the conversation to accelerate AfCFTA implementation.

The story feeds as well into design of protocol on women and youth in trade in the scope of the AfCFTA agreement and deepens understanding of AfCFTA among key economic operators, trade lobby groups, civil society actors and ordinary people.

Finally, it draws national authorities’ attention to the needs and demands of the youth and women demographic without which aspirations under AfCFTA cannot be attained.

Link: Jonhson Kanamugire Story links.docx

Takeaway from AUMF:

• Access to hard-to-reach people across the board, resources and platforms (regional, continental and global events) which position one to further career and present issues with deep understanding and confidence.
• Knowledge and exposure position me to get versed into new beats of journalism, and those otherwise underreported or under-analyzed… i.e. migration, climate change, integration, etc.
• Training opportunities and study trips allows one to upskill and innovate to stay relevant as a media professional i.e., Serving the changing needs of the people in our respective countries and beyond.
• Cements avenue for cross border collaborative journalism on issues of mutual interests: leveraged this already with COP 27 projects.

Brief Description of the Fellow:

Nila Yasmin is an award-winning Ugandan journalist and TV/documentary producer, with vast experience in written and audio-visual production. As a TV documentary producer she has worked with some of the world’s major media brands such as Euronews and CNN. Since 2019, Nila has pitched, researched and produced over 85 documentaries for CNN Africa shows across Uganda, Mauritius, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.

Beyond production, Nila founded ZUBA Network, a Pan-African digital media platform, to champion women’s voices and initiatives, viewing media as a vital instrument for fostering Africa’s progress through the empowerment of women.

Nila was awarded the 2019 APO Group African Women in Media award, is a 2021 Digital Equality nominee and a 2022 African Union Media Fellow.

Story Title:

Documentary : WOMEN BEYOND BORDERS

Story Project Highlight:

’Women Beyond Borders’ explores how empowering female entrepreneurs in Africa could drive intra-African trade and advance the goals of the AfCFTA.

Despite the prevalent perception of intra-African trade being dominated by male-owned conglomerates, women continue to play pivotal roles in both formal and informal trade activities across the continent.

Through the inspiring journeys of five female entrepreneurs across Uganda and Ethiopia, the documentary showcases the limitless potential of women if adequately supported in areas such as business formalization, access to finance, innovation and technology.

It was quite an enriching experience engaging with various stakeholders, policymakers, and female entrepreneurs across Uganda and Ethiopia. It was evident that they share a profound belief in the transformative potential of AfCFTA. While implementation remains a key focus, I believe it's also our responsibility as media to diligently track progress and ensure accountability.

Link: Women Beyond Borders Docu- series  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHeyS3AYaxU

Episode 1 Mkazipenuer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58DztO-tqJk

Episode 2 Moo Me Gen:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC-bCV2Ccdk

Episode 3 Gaber Garment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5j7_FffEVk

Episode 4 Cheveux Organique:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEGNtdgOi6o

Episode 5 Pivot Pay:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qrlp_c8u1X0

Takeaway from AUMF:

The AUMF highlighted for me the power of unity and collaboration. I especially appreciate the fact that it has united journalists from different corners of the continent, all driven by a shared goal; reshaping the African narrative to achieve the Africa we want. This definitely exemplifies for me the age-old teamwork makes the dream work!

Brief Description of the Fellow:

Sadou is an Audiovisual journalist from Niamey, Niger with more than 10 years of experience. He has worked as Correspondent in Niger and Special envoy across the continent for the pan-African channel AFRICA 24 TV for 6 years. He was also the country coordinator of Radio Jeunesse Sahel in Niger. He has been an AU Media Fellow where he followed several training courses relating in particular to communication on AU Agenda 2063.

He has wealth of experience operating in the field of promoting sustainable development and climate initiatives. He is currently in charge of Communication and the Press at the Climate Commission for the Sahel Region, works in the area of promoting initiatives and actions to provide sustainable responses to the effects of climate change in the Sahel region.

Story Title:

ZLECAF, LES PREMIERS PAS

AfCFTA, FIRST STEPS

Story Project Highlight:

Provide African viewers with a story on how the implementation of the AfCFTA helps businesses in Africa by tracking the progress of specific products such as agri-food products. One of the flagship projects of the African Union's Agenda 2063, the AfCFTA aims to accelerate the structural transformation of African economies. The AfCFTA makes intra-African trade possible and empowers African farmers and traders. The Implementation of the AfCFTA is essential to advance African economies. The AU Member States must work together for the implementation of the AfCFTA to lift their economies and farmers.

Link: ZLECAF, LES PREMIERS PAS | AfCFTA, FIRST STEPS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCc_LMMw1cQ

Takeaway from AUMF:

Having followed the process of setting up the AfCFTA, particularly through the various meetings of experts, the summits of ministers and heads of state, I realized the importance of such a project for the continent.

With the launch of the first African Union Fellowship, I applied with a Pitch on AfCFTA. Fortunately I was selected and throughout the fellowship I was able to work on this with the help of the various mentors made available to us by the African Union.

Once my Pitch was completed on paper I was able to start filming which took me to Cameroon Yaoundé and Douala and to Accra for two weeks. I was able to achieve the finished product that I am presenting to you today.

Brief Description of the Fellow:

Sally Nyakanyanga is an independent journalist based in Zimbabwe, known for her work on various important social issues. I have contributed articles to a number of publications including the New Humanitarian, The Times (UK), Daily Maverick, Epoch Times, News Deeply, Green Rising, China Dialogue (changed to Dialogue Earth, Open Democracy, The Discourse, Africa Renewal, Scidev.net, ChinAfrica magazine, Bhekisisa, NewsDay among others. As a journalist, I am dedicated to covering significant issues on African Development and issues affecting the continent and beyond, highlighting journalism that informs and advocates for change.

Story Title:

ZIMBABWE EXEMPTION PERMITS 

Story Project Highlight:

The project investigated the impact of the decision made by the South African government by scrapping the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) on a Zimbabwean family/families who have had half or all their lives in South Africa. This family has managed to build a life in South Africa but this is about to change with the scrapping of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP). However, due to the story focus having been overtaken by change of events, had to focus on the two year extension of ZEP by the Home Affairs Department in South Africa and how it is a temporary relief, in addition citing some of the challenges ZEP holders are facing in trying to acquire general permits.

Link: https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200025563/zep-extension-a-t...

Takeaway from AUMF:

The African Union Media Fellowship (AUMF) was eye opening, engaging and transformative initiative that empowered me as an African media professional. The project helped me to understand the operations of the African Union and learn from other fellows including equipping and hone my skills as a journalist. The AUMF, being a significant step towards shaping Africa’s narrative and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for African culture and literature through media, has been enlightening and connected me to a number of creative and hardworking journalists, bloggers, content creators and vloggers in the content.

Brief Description of the Fellow:

Alega is part of the African Union Media Fellowship Program For Media Professionals 2022. He is also a Journalist Senior reporter at CRTV Cameroon Radio Television.

Story Title: DOCUMENTARY: PEACE, A PRIORITY IN AFRICA - CONFLICT RESOLUTION THROUGH DIALOGUE: AN END FOR POLICY MAKERS, A HOPE FOR YOUTH

Story Project Highlight:

The story summarized in this documentary is based on dramaturgy like in a fiction film. The main actor represents one or two households forced into exile because of the war in Ivory Coast. It projects the example of an Africa living in peace and security" using mechanisms that promote a dialogue-centered approach to conflict prevention and resolution and the establishment of a culture of peace and tolerance. nourished in the children and young people of Africa through peace and education.

Link: DOC CRISE IVOIRIENNE BON (2).mp4

Takeaway from AUMF:

I keep from AUMF a fantastic opportunity to share with other media colleagues from diverse backgrounds, a rich experience in the field of MOJO (Mobile Journalism), enormous learning moments in the structuring and mode of operation of the African Union and its organs. Above all, I remember as a journalist a particular approach in the treatment of current events coming from Africa.

Brief Description of the Fellow:

Yasser is a Communication Specialist and Video Journalist with 3 years of experience working with prominent media agencies and international NGOs. Producing engaging educational videos that reached over 25 million views and gained over 400,000 followers across various social media platforms. Yasser loves making content about: Social Issues, Digital Culture, Youth empowerment.

Story Title:

PODCAST TWENTY: EMPOWERING NORTH AFRICAN YOUTH THROUGH VOICES

 Story Project Highlight:

Young people are often met with content in the traditional media that neither speaks their language in the literal sense nor addresses their unique experiences. This disconnect isolates them from the global discourse. There’s also another type of disconnect between the North African context and the broader African identity.

The Need for Youth-Led Media: Emphasizing the importance of creating media in local languages that directly engage and reflect the realities of the youth.

Connecting Cultures: Addressing the lack of content that links Tunisians and other North Africans with the broader African continent, fostering a sense of unity and identity.

The podcast's focuses on youth issues, education, career opportunities, youth entrepreneurship, and Pan-Africanism.

 Link: Yasser Podcast

 Takeaway from AUMF:

The African Union Media Fellowship was an important step in my journey, providing not just inspiration but also the funded needed to bring my podcast to life. The fellowship  recognized the power of media in the African context, encouraging me to create a podcast that would serve as a bridge for North African youth. Through this support, the podcast was transformed from an idea into a reality, enabling us to engage, educate, and connect young North Africans in meaningful ways.