AI x Media Literacy Dialogue Fund Offers Support for Southern African Projects

The AI x Media Literacy Dialogue Fund 2026 is providing a significant opportunity for organizations in Southern Africa. This program, led by DW Akademie and supported by German development cooperation, aims to help groups develop and launch innovative projects. These projects will focus on the growing connection between Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The fund offers financial support, expert guidance, and a network for collaboration to help participants explore how AI is changing how people consume media, think critically, and interact online.

Understanding the AI x Media Literacy Dialogue Fund

This fund is designed to support organizations that want to explore how MIL can help communities understand and navigate the world of AI. As AI becomes more common in daily life, it affects how people get information, form relationships, and feel about themselves. MIL skills are becoming more important to help people, especially young people, use digital tools in a responsible and thoughtful way. DW Akademie, a well-known organization in international media development, is leading this initiative to promote freedom of expression and access to reliable information globally.

Project Ideas Welcome for the Dialogue Fund

The Dialogue Fund is open to many different types of projects that are creative, educational, or focused on community needs. Some examples of eligible projects include creating educational materials like short videos or posters, developing youth-focused activities such as workshops or school programs, building interactive content like games or digital stories, and conducting research or discussions about how AI impacts communities and how MIL can help. The program especially encourages projects that use local languages and promote trustworthy, independent information to support community well-being.

How the Program Supports Participants

The AI x Media Literacy Dialogue Fund offers a clear process to help organizations develop and carry out their project ideas. The first step is the application phase, where organizations submit their project proposals. A review panel then selects the most promising ideas.

Selected teams will then attend a virtual Masterclass in early July. This session will provide expert insights into MIL, AI literacy, and digital well-being. It will also cover how AI influences identity, relationships, and emotional health, and what MIL skills are needed for healthy online engagement.

Following the Masterclass, participants will join a virtual Idea Lab in the second week of July. Here, teams will share their project ideas with other organizations, use design thinking methods to improve their plans, and get feedback to refine their approach.

The main project implementation phase runs from July 15 to October 15, 2026. During this time, selected organizations will work on their projects with financial support of up to 2,000 Euros. They will also receive ongoing coaching and technical help from a dedicated contact person.

Finally, participants will become part of a regional network of MIL innovators. They will present their completed projects during Global MIL Week, which takes place from October 24 to 30, 2026.

What to Expect from the Masterclass and Idea Lab

The Masterclass is a focused session where experts will guide participants through topics like Media and Information Literacy, the societal effects of AI, and digital well-being. It’s designed to be interactive and help teams strengthen their project concepts. The Idea Lab builds on this by providing a space for collaboration. Teams will present their work, get feedback from peers and experts, and use human-centered design to make sure their projects meet the needs of their target audience.

Financial Support and Resources

Organizations chosen for the fund will receive financial backing of up to 2,000 Euros. This funding can be used for various project-related costs, such as creating prototypes, producing content, or conducting research. The financial support is typically provided in installments, with an initial payment upon signing the agreement and a final payment after submitting the project report. In addition to funding, participants get valuable coaching and technical assistance throughout the project.

Requirements for Applicants

To be considered for the AI x Media Literacy Dialogue Fund, applicants must show a strong commitment from their team members for the entire project duration. At least two team members must attend the Masterclass, and all participating team members are expected to join the virtual Idea Lab. Applicants need to have a clear project idea related to MIL and AI that is relevant to their audience. They must also commit to ethical media practices and have access to a computer or smartphone for virtual sessions. The program values willingness to engage with coaching, feedback, and discussions with other participants.

Eligibility and Application Details

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and based in Namibia, Malawi, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, South Africa, or Lesotho. They also need to be supported by their organization and agree to use media and information ethically. All applications must be submitted through the official online form by the deadline of June 15, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the AI x Media Literacy Dialogue Fund?

The fund aims to help organizations in Southern Africa develop and launch projects that explore the connection between Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

What kind of support does the fund provide?

It offers financial support of up to 2,000 Euros, expert guidance through a Masterclass and Idea Lab, and a network for collaboration.

Who is eligible to apply for the fund?

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, based in Namibia, Malawi, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, South Africa, or Lesotho, and have a clear project idea related to MIL and AI.