Kwame Karikari Fact-Checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026: Apply Now

Applications are now open for the Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026. The deadline is April 4, 2026. Organized by the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism through its fact-checking project DUBAWA, this program aims to fight misinformation and information disorder in West Africa. It offers two six-month tracks: one for journalists and fact-checkers to build skills, and another for researchers to create new studies. This article covers the benefits, eligibility rules, and how to apply.

The fellowship draws inspiration from the need to stop the fast spread of false information and share verified facts with people in cities and rural areas. It seeks to make fact-checking a standard practice worldwide, with a special focus on Africa. Named after Professor Kwame Karikari, a strong supporter of media freedom and founder of the Media Foundation for West Africa, the program pushes for accountability in public offices. It also works to grow knowledge about information disorder in English-speaking West African countries. Now in its third year, it runs twin tracks over six months each: one for journalists to weave fact-checking into their reporting, and one for scholars to do original research for publication.

Here are the key benefits for fellows:

• Fellows get hands-on training in OSINT and fact-checking, with coaching from DUBAWA and DAIDAC teams. They learn the latest tools and ways to verify information.
• Reports created during the fellowship appear on your own media outlet and DUBAWA’s platforms. This boosts your reach and helps fight misinformation in real ways.
• Support helps set up fact-checking desks in newsrooms and improve internal checks for accuracy.
• Join a network of journalists across West Africa who value truth and work together on verification.
• Gain visibility on social media, radio, and TV while spreading media literacy to audiences.

To qualify, applicants must meet these criteria:

• Full-time journalists based in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or The Gambia.
• Fact-checkers or investigative journalists ready to sharpen their skills.
• Past Kwame Karikari fellows keen on OSINT investigations.
• Strong writers with a deep passion for uncovering the truth.
• People eager to learn and advance in fact-checking.
• Journalists who can commit time to the fellowship and its tasks.
• Those with support from their bosses to publish fact-checks.
• Female journalists and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Experts in climate or conflict reporting are also welcome.

Ready to apply? Submit your details through the online Google application form. For full details, check the official fellowship page. Act fast, as the deadline approaches on April 4, 2026.

Deadline Reminder: April 4, 2026

This fellowship plays a big part in creating a culture of fact-checking across West Africa. Over six months, it stresses OSINT tools and verification methods to handle information disorder. Fellows can build newsroom desks and team up regionally, making a real difference for journalists in Nigeria, Ghana, and beyond.

SHARE THIS POST WITH OTHERS

Frequently Asked Questions