African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC) Fellowship 2026 for French-Speaking Journalists

Applications are now open for the African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC) Fellowship 2026 for French-speaking journalists. The fellowship provides an opportunity for investigative journalists and media professionals from Francophone African countries to attend the African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC), one of the continent's leading gatherings for investigative journalism.

The fellowship covers major travel expenses, accommodation, conference registration, local transportation, and meals, enabling participants to engage with fellow journalists, editors, media experts, and investigators while strengthening their investigative reporting skills and expanding their professional networks.

About the Fellowship

The AIJC Fellowship aims to strengthen investigative journalism across Francophone Africa by supporting journalists who are committed to producing impactful public-interest reporting.

The 2026 conference will bring together journalists, media organizations, academics, and experts from across Africa and beyond to discuss investigative techniques, digital tools, data journalism, media freedom, corruption, accountability, environmental reporting, and other issues affecting journalism on the continent.

Fellows are expected to actively participate in conference sessions and apply the knowledge gained to produce investigative stories after the event.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Return airfare from their home country to Nairobi, Kenya.
• Airport transfers and local transportation.
• Accommodation during the conference.
• Conference registration fees.
• Meals throughout the conference.
• Access to keynote sessions, workshops, and panel discussions.
• Networking opportunities with leading investigative journalists and media professionals from around the world.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be investigative journalists or media professionals.
• Be citizens of a French-speaking African country.
• Hold a valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond the conference dates.
• Be able to attend the African Investigative Journalism Conference in Nairobi from November 10–12, 2026.
• Commit to producing at least one investigative journalism story inspired by the conference within three months after the event.

Freelance journalists are encouraged to apply.

Eligible Countries

Applications are invited from journalists in Francophone African countries, including:

• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Comoros
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Djibouti
• Equatorial Guinea
• Gabon
• Guinea
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Niger
• Republic of the Congo
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• Seychelles
• Togo

Fellowship Requirements

Successful fellows must:

• Attend the full conference programme.
• Produce at least one investigative report (online, print, broadcast, or multimedia) inspired by information gathered during the conference.
• Publish the story within three months after the conference concludes.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare:

• A completed online application form.
• A valid passport or proof of identity.
• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Examples of previously published investigative journalism work.
• Any additional information requested during the application process.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Demonstrated experience in investigative journalism.
• Quality of previously published work.
• Commitment to public-interest reporting.
• Potential to apply knowledge gained from the conference.
• Overall strength of the application.

How to Apply

To apply:

1. Complete the official online application form.
2. Upload your CV and supporting documents.
3. Provide evidence of your published investigative journalism work.
4. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after the conference.
5. Submit your application before the deadline.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted regarding the next stage of the selection process.