Jamlab Accelerator sub-Saharan Africa Programme 2021/2022 for creative journalists and media makers.

July 15, 2021 BusinessTrumpet

Application Deadline:13 August 2021.

Are you working on something that you think could reshape media or journalism in sub-Saharan? Do you have skills you could apply to creating great new media? Do you have the energy and commitment to create something great?

Apply to join the Jamlab Accelerator Programme (JAP) sub-Saharan Africa, the six-month hothouse for journalism and media innovators. The programme offers a unique opportunity to fast-track your initiative. It will provide you with the tools, facilities, contacts, and support necessary to convert your ideas and ambitions into a commercially viable venture or product.

Twenty-four (24) teams have taken part in four iterations of the accelerator, with six of them succeeding in securing additional investment immediately after the programme.

This sub-Saharan Africa accelerator programme we are running will largely take place virtually due to the Covid-19 travel restrictions imposed by numerous countries in Africa and globally. The programme will run from September 2021 to February 2022.

Requirements

Jamlab is looking for committed and creative journalists and media makers who are passionate about fixing what isn’t working in sub-Saharan African media. We are looking for startups that want to create innovative products or services to serve new audiences, or bring new conversations or ideas to the public.

Jamlab welcome applications from ALL countries across sub-Saharan Africa, particularly those in Benin; Burkina Faso; Cote de Ivoire; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Madagascar; Malawi; Mali; Mozambique; Niger; Nigeria; Senegal; Sierra Leone; Togo and Zambia.

PLEASE NOTE: Successful startups will need a steady internet and have a good command of speaking and writing in English.

Benefits

The six teams selected from sub-Saharan Africa programme will receive the following:

Virtual mentorship and coaching from experienced media, startup and tech experts and entrepreneurs.
Free places on a three-month Media Entrepreneurship course offered by Wits Journalism.
Access to a technical support development team.
Opportunities to pitch to potential investors, funders and various stakeholders with an MVP (minimum viable product).
Access to network which includes but not limited to Programme Alumni.

How to Apply

Do a thorough read of all the Frequently Asked Questions.
Take a look previous startups on the accelerator programme.
Have a look at what our alumni say about the programme.
Complete this short application form to capture your details and confirm your eligibility and ability to participate.

You will be asked to write a short pitch setting out your idea for a new journalism start-up or describing your existing venture and your ideas for growing and developing it further. Include in this pitch why and how your venture is innovating in the space.

You will also be asked to provide short resumes of your key team, including a line on each one’s role in the venture.

Remember that successful teams will need a steady internet and have a good command of speaking and writing in English.