As Africa’s media landscape evolves, the need for authentic, African-led storytelling has never been greater. Research by Africa No Filter reveals that one-third of news about the continent is produced by non-African outlets, with over 80% of that coverage focusing on conflict and crises often overshadowing stories of innovation, culture, entrepreneurship, and everyday life.

To counter this imbalance, the African Union (AU) launched the 2025 AU Media Fellowship (AUMF) two weeks ago. Led by the AU’s Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), the programme invites journalists and content creators from across the continent to amplify African voices, challenge stereotypes, and promote people-centred storytelling in line with Agenda 2063. With only one week left before the deadline, interested applicants are encouraged to submit their entries without delay.

Since inception, the fellowship has supported 35 fellows from diverse media backgrounds print, digital, and audio-visual enabling them to produce impactful stories on digital transformation, climate action, migration, and entrepreneurship. These narratives offer a more balanced and authentic portrayal of Africa’s progress and challenges.

“An empowered media sector empowers citizens,” says Leslie Richer, AU Director of Information and Communication. “With the deadline for Cohort III just around the corner, I want to encourage African journalists and storytellers to grab this opportunity to shape narratives that truly reflect our continent. When we share digital tools, practise ethical storytelling, and build strong pan-African collaborations, we can change perceptions, celebrate our successes, and strengthen unity across Africa.”

This year, the fellowship introduces a dedicated Public Health track, supported by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Selected fellows will work closely with Africa CDC to explore urgent public health topics, including how lessons learned from COVID-19, mpox, Ebola, Marburg, and other health emergencies are shaping current strategies and preparedness plans.

“At a time when Africa is navigating multiple health priorities, from rising non-communicable diseases to re-emerging outbreaks and persistent gaps in health workforce financing, we need a new generation of storytellers who can unpack these challenges with depth, accuracy and empathy,” said Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at Africa CDC. “This fellowship fills a critical gap in how public health is reported and understood across African Union Member States and will empower journalists to elevate Africa’s voice in shaping its own health future.

Thematic Focus Areas

Fellows will work on one of six key themes aligned with Africa’s development priorities Agenda 2063:

1. Economic Development & Regional Integration – Trade, investment, and infrastructure driving Africa’s transformation.
2. Sports & Creative Industries – How arts, culture, and sports fuel job creation and unity.
3. Agriculture & Environment – Stories on food security, climate resilience, and green growth.
4. Good Governance, Human Rights & Democracy – Transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.
5. Promoting Africa’s Public Health Systems – Preparedness, Equity and Innovation
6. Technology, Innovation & Space – Africa’s digital transformation, clean energy, and space industry.

Journalists, content creators, and digital storytellers passionate about reshaping Africa’s narrative are encouraged to apply. Over 16 months, fellows will benefit from mentorship, exclusive resources, and opportunities to amplify underreported stories. With the application deadline fast approaching, we look forward to reviewing all submissions.

The selection process will be  rigorous and merit-based. Applications will be assessed on the originality and relevance of story ideas, demonstrated storytelling skills, and a clear commitment to covering African issues from an African perspective. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews to evaluate their vision, creativity, and potential impact. The final cohort will reflect a diversity of voices, countries, and media formats, ensuring a truly pan-African approach to reshaping the continent’s narrative.

The AU Media Fellowship programme  is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), acting on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), together with the European Union (EU) Delegation to the African Union and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 

Click here to apply  to learn more about eligibility requirements,

Application Deadline: 14th August, 2025

For further information, please contact:

 Faith Adhiambo | Communication Officer, Agenda 2063 | Directorate of Information and Communication| African Union Commission | E-mail ochiengj@africanunion.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africanunion.org
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