Are you a journalist passionate about fighting misinformation? The Code for Africa Fact-checking Fellowship Program 2026 offers a chance to build skills and make an impact in Southern Africa.
Code for Africa (CfA), through its African Fact-checking Alliance (AFCA), runs this stipend-based program for journalists and fact-checkers. It focuses on teaching tools to investigate and debunk false information. The goal is to boost information integrity across the region.
This fellowship ties into the “Strengthening Information Integrity and Democratic Resilience in Southern Africa” project. It builds on earlier work from 2024-2025, funded by Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The program covers 2026-2027 and targets countries like Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Key Benefits of the Fellowship
Fellows get a monthly stipend to support their work. They receive hands-on training from experts at PesaCheck, iLAB, and CfA teams. This includes fact-checkers, data analysts, multimedia producers, and editors.
Participants gain one-on-one mentorship. They also get help to improve or start fact-checking desks in their newsrooms. Projects publish on local media platforms, with support for international reach.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet clear requirements. They cannot work for paramilitary or security groups and must stay non-partisan. You need at least one year of media experience as a journalist or digital storyteller, plus a portfolio of published work.
Fact-checking experience is a plus. You must link to a media partner and publish in mainstream outlets. Fluency in English or French is required, based on your country’s language.
Reliable computer and internet access are essential for online activities. Base yourself in one of the listed Southern African countries. Commit to sharing work publicly, passing skills to colleagues, and joining virtual meetings.
How to Apply for the Code for Africa Fact-checking Fellowship Program 2026
The deadline is April 10, 2026. Late submissions will not count. Fill out the application form online.
For full details, check the CfA/AFCA fellowship page. This program equips you to tackle misinformation head-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Code for Africa Fact-checking Fellowship Program 2026?
It is a stipend-based program by Code for Africa through the African Fact-checking Alliance for journalists in Southern Africa to learn tools for fighting misinformation.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Journalists or digital storytellers with at least one year of media experience, a portfolio of published work, and based in listed Southern African countries can apply if they meet non-partisan and language requirements.
What benefits do fellows receive?
Fellows get a monthly stipend, hands-on training from experts, one-on-one mentorship, and support to publish fact-checking projects on local and international platforms.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Fill out the online application form by April 10, 2026; late submissions will not be accepted. Check the CfA/AFCA fellowship page for full details.
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