CITE Investigative Journalism Grants 2026

The CITE Investigative Journalism Grants 2026 are open to journalists interested in producing rigorous, evidence based investigations on issues affecting communities in Zimbabwe. The initiative is organised by the Centre for Innovation and Technology, CITE, to support journalism that goes beyond reporting events and instead uncovers new information, examines wrongdoing and strengthens public accountability.

The grants are designed to support investigations that address issues of significant public interest, particularly matters involving public resources, government institutions, local authorities and public service delivery. Journalists can submit proposals independently or work in collaboration with locally based journalists and community reporters.

Successful proposals will be eligible for a grant of up to US$800, depending on the quality, strength and scope of the proposed investigation. The funding is intended to support the reporting and production of the investigation, while CITE will also help successful stories reach wider audiences through its digital platforms and local media partners.

About the Opportunity

The CITE Investigative Journalism Grants support strong local journalism in Zimbabwe. CITE is particularly interested in investigations that begin with questions arising from local communities and examine how institutions, officials and public resources affect people's lives.

The programme seeks original, well researched and evidence based investigative story ideas. Proposals should have a clear investigative purpose and demonstrate what the journalist expects the reporting to uncover.

The initiative is particularly relevant to journalists working on governance, accountability, public finance, corruption, procurement and public service delivery.

Opportunity Benefits

• Grant of up to US$800 for successful investigative proposals

• Financial support for reporting and production costs

• Publication of successful investigations on CITE's website

• Promotion through CITE's social media platforms

• Distribution through WhatsApp

• Opportunity for stories to be made available to local media outlets for wider publication

• Additional public engagement and distribution support through CITE's digital platforms

• Potential promotion through X Spaces where appropriate

Investigation Areas

Applicants are particularly encouraged to propose investigations examining:

• Corruption and abuse of public resources

• Failures in public service delivery

• Accountability within local authorities

• Accountability within government departments

• Missing, misused or unaccounted for public funds

• Irregularities in procurement and tender processes

• Conflicts of interest

• Abuse of public office

• Weaknesses in public financial management

• Other governance and accountability issues involving public resources

CITE also welcomes community rooted investigations that can uncover information that is not already widely known or easily available to the public.

Eligibility Criteria

• Journalists based in Zimbabwe can apply

• Applicants should have an original investigative story idea

• The proposed investigation should address an issue of significant public interest

• The story should be well researched and evidence based

• Proposals should have a clear connection to communities in Zimbabwe

• Journalists may report independently

• Journalists may also collaborate with locally based journalists and community reporters

• The proposed investigation should have potential to uncover new information or evidence

• Applicants should be able to provide previous journalism work as samples

• Applicants working through a media organisation should obtain editorial support for the proposed investigation

Required Application Materials

• A brief story idea explaining the issue to be investigated

• Information about who or what is involved in the proposed investigation

• An explanation of why the story matters to the community

• An explanation of what the investigation could potentially uncover

• Links or copies of previously published journalism

• Preferably, investigative or public interest reporting samples

• A letter or email from an editor confirming that the media organisation supports the proposed investigation

How to Apply

1. Develop a clear investigative story idea focused on an issue affecting communities in Zimbabwe.
2. Explain the issue, the people or institutions involved, why the investigation matters and what you expect it could uncover.
3. Prepare links or copies of your previous journalism work, preferably investigative or public interest reporting.
4. Obtain a letter or email from your editor confirming support for the proposed investigation if you are working with a media organisation.
5. Review your proposal to ensure that it is original, well researched, evidence based and focused on a matter of significant public interest.
6. Submit your proposal by email to zenzele@cite.org.zw and lesley@cite.org.zw.