Are you ready to fight misinformation in Southern Africa? The Code for Africa Fact-checking Fellowship Program 2026 offers journalists a chance to build skills and make a real impact. With a deadline of April 10, 2026, this program supports truth-tellers across the region.
Code for Africa, through its African Fact-checking Alliance, runs this stipend-based fellowship. It targets journalists and fact-checkers in Southern Africa. The goal is to teach them how to spot and stop false information. This helps protect information integrity and democracy.
The program is part of a larger project called “Strengthening Information Integrity and Democratic Resilience in Southern Africa.” It builds on work from 2024-2025 and runs through 2026-2027. Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides support. Focus countries include Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Key Benefits for Fellows
Fellows get a monthly stipend to cover their work. They also receive hands-on training from experts. This includes PesaCheck’s fact-checking team, iLAB analysts, and Code for Africa’s staff like technologists, data experts, multimedia producers, and editors.
Participants gain one-on-one mentorship. They learn to improve or start fact-checking desks in their newsrooms. Their projects will appear on local media platforms. Code for Africa helps with international publishing too. This setup lets fellows share their findings widely.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet clear rules to join. They cannot work for paramilitary or security groups. They must stay non-partisan.
You need at least one year in journalism or digital storytelling. Show a portfolio of published work. Fact-checking experience is a plus. Work must link to a media partner for mainstream publishing or broadcast.
Language skills matter. Be fluent in English or French, based on your country’s main language. You need a reliable computer and steady internet for online training and meetings.
Live in one of the listed Southern African countries. Commit to sharing your work publicly. Code for Africa can help with partnerships. Also, plan to teach your new skills to colleagues. Be ready for virtual meetings.
How to Apply
Applications close on April 10, 2026. Late submissions will not count. Use the online form to apply.
For full details, check the official CfA/AFCA page. Prepare your portfolio and details ahead of time. This fellowship equips you to tackle misinformation head-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for the fellowship?
Applications close on April 10, 2026, and late submissions will not be accepted.
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
Journalists and fact-checkers from Southern African countries with at least one year of experience, a portfolio of published work, and fluency in English or French can apply.
What benefits do fellows receive?
Fellows get a monthly stipend, hands-on training, one-on-one mentorship, and help publishing their work on local and international platforms.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Use the online form on the official CfA/AFCA page and prepare your portfolio in advance for submission before the deadline.
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