The MFWA Digital Public Infrastructure Journalism Fellowship 2023 for West African journalists is now open

As part of its efforts to raise public awareness, the MFWA Digital Public Infrastructure Journalism Fellowship program for journalists in West Africa is launched with funding from and in collaboration with Co-Develop.

This initiative aims to create and grow a pool of West African journalists with the necessary knowledge and abilities to deliver high-quality and meaningful coverage on DPI/DPGs. Finally, the work of these journalists will promote public access to information on DPI/DPGs, raise public awareness, and enable public participation in DPI/DPG policy creation and implementation throughout West Africa.

The selected journalists for this program will participate in a three-month fellowship (September to November 2023) that will include training seminars, mentorship, and story production. Following the three-month fellowship, the recipients will continue to participate in network activities and narrative development on DPI/DPG concerns.

The Fellowship will take place both online and in person. Fellows will be engaged digitally by mentors and trainers for the first six weeks and the last four weeks. Fellows will gather in Accra, Ghana for additional in-person and peer-to-peer experience-sharing sessions during the seventh and eighth weeks of the Fellowship.

Each fellow is expected to have written at least two substantial stories on DPI/DPGs by the end of the Fellowship. Fellows will be expected to publish their pieces in their respective news outlets. Fellows will also receive a participation certificate.

Requirements

Opportunities for training and mentoring
Fellows get a $500 monthly stipend, and their media organizations receive a $700 monthly stipend to assist story production, publication, and programming.
Fellows will be eligible for DPI/DPGs as well. Grant Reporting
During the in-person meeting in Ghana, participants will be provided with lodging, meals, and health insurance coverage.
Selection Criteria

The ability to collaborate in various groups while still respecting the views of others
Excellent social and communication abilities
An upbeat, enthusiastic attitude toward work; and
Basic knowledge, an interest in ICTs, or professional experience with digitalisation concerns

Application Process and Deadline:

Interested candidates must complete the fellowship application form. An candidate must submit a letter of interest (maximum of 350 words) explaining why they wish to participate in the fellowship, a CV with two references, a declaration of support from the applicant’s media organization, and a copy of any national identity. The application date is August 7, 2023. Only applicants who have been shortlisted will be notified by email.

For clarification contact the MFWA [email protected] or Abigail Larbi abigail[@]mfwa.org and Vivian Affoah vivian[@]mfwa.org. For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the Digital Public Infrastructure Journalism Fellowship 2023 Deadline: August 7, 2023.