Applications are now open for the INMA Africa Elevate Scholarship 2026, a program for talented young news media professionals in Africa. This scholarship targets people under 35 with less than five years of experience. It focuses on the business side of journalism. The deadline is April 17, 2026. If you love news but need more training to blend passion with business skills, this could boost your career. Read on for details on benefits, who qualifies, and how to apply.

The International News Media Association (INMA) runs this program to help early-career journalists in Africa grow. INMA specializes in the business of journalism. This includes audience development, product and tech, advertising, marketing, and data. The goal is to give you skills to make a real impact in your newsroom and society. It offers a spark to elevate your career through training and connections.
Deadline: April 17, 2026 (11:59 p.m. in your time zone)
Here are the key benefits of the INMA Africa Elevate Scholarship 2026:
- Registration to two global master classes from topics like Subscriber Retention, Newsrooms & AI, Subscriber Acquisition, Product & Tech, Digital Advertising, and Young Audiences.
- Two virtual modules focused on Africa and mentorship, covering Understanding the business of media and Navigating the corridors of power in media.
- Access to livestream virtual modules and recordings.
- Access to a private WhatsApp group for peer communications.
- Recognition for your selection in the program.
- Certification after you complete two mentoring sessions and two master classes.
- One year of INMA individual membership.
To qualify, you must meet these criteria:
- Be employed by a news media organization in Africa.
- Be below age 35.
- Have less than five years in the news industry.
- Be physically based full-time in Africa.
- Be below senior management level.
- Show a need for on-the-job training and education.
- Aspire to learn more about the business of news.
- Plan to stay in news media long-term and possibly become a future leader.
- Commit to participating in all four modules.
Ready to apply? The deadline is April 17, 2026 (11:59 p.m. in your time zone). Start by checking if you meet the eligibility rules. Then gather details about your job, experience, and career goals. Submit your application or nominate someone else through the official site. Follow these simple steps for success:
- Review the full eligibility list on the info page.
- Prepare info on your employment, years in news, and why you need this training.
- Fill out the form with your aspirations for the business of journalism.
- Submit before the deadline and save a copy.
For more details, check the More info page.
The program includes master classes and modules to build practical skills. You pick two master classes from these options:
- Subscriber Retention
- Newsrooms & AI
- Subscriber Acquisition
- Product & Tech
- Digital Advertising
- Young Audiences
The two virtual modules offer mentorship tailored to Africa. They cover the business of media and how to gain influence in newsrooms. All sessions are online, with recordings for flexibility. This setup helps you learn at your pace while connecting with peers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the INMA Africa Elevate Scholarship 2026?
You qualify if you are under 35, have less than five years in news, work full-time for a news organization in Africa, and commit to all program modules.
What benefits does the scholarship provide?
It offers two master classes, two virtual modules with mentorship, access to recordings, a WhatsApp peer group, certification, and one year of INMA membership.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is April 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. in your time zone.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Check eligibility on the INMA site, gather your employment and career details, fill out the form with your goals, and submit before the deadline.

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