Fellowship for Investigative Journalism from DW Akademie in East Africa 2024: (Deadline 12 May, 2024)

The program aims to support the research and reporting project on digital challenges as well as on concrete solution-based approaches, and therefore offers financial support for implementing relevant in-depth stories.

In East Africa, an increasing economic system of disinformation and hate speech has been established in recent years, leaving societies exposed to digital threats such as misinformation, propaganda and hate speech, and to applications of mass surveillance technology and harmful use of artificial intelligence.

These threats distort the understanding of citizens for reality and possibilities to make informed decisions, and democratic processes are systematically undermined. Especially women are victims of misogynous online attacks. Hence, story pitches considering a gender aspect will be particularly appreciated.

About DW Akademie

We believe that independent media and responsible journalism are essential worldwide. Given Germany’s history, we believe that people should be able to freely express their views and have access to independent sources of information. We consider this to be an important prerequisite for peace and democracy.

Fellowship for Investigative Journalism

Aim and Benefits of Fellowship for Investigative Journalism

In total, each fellow will receive 4.000 EUR for producing one investigative story by the end of the scholarship period. The fellows will publish the stories in the media they work for. Throughout the programme, mentors will guide them during the planning -, research – and production phase of their media work. In addition, they will have access to the knowledge and the analyses of social media data provided by a group of digital experts who belong to an interdisciplinary network on combating disinformation in East Africa.

All research fellows are invited to the online closing event in November 2024. Some of the final in-depth stories will be published in Deutsche Welle channels for international exposure.

Requirements for Fellowship for Investigative Journalism Qualification

15 investigative journalists from East African countries (including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan), and journalists from the region living in exile in East African countries, will be selected from applicants who offer the best pitches for an in-depth journalistic media product on digital threats. After the selection process has been finalized, the research fellows will be invited to the kick-off event in Nairobi/Kenya at the end of June 2024.

The applicant should have proven qualification as an investigative journalist, in-depth knowledge of publishing about digital threats and at least five years of professional experience as a media practitioner. Furthermore, he/she should have excellent analytical skills, mastering attention to detail and have effective communication skills, both written and oral. He/she should be willing to work closely together with the mentor and speak fluent English.

In addition, the applicant should have a valid passport and can travel to Kenya. Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by DW Akademie.

Application Deadline

May 12, 2024

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are kindly requested to submit:

1. ONE PDF file with:
   1. up-to-date Curriculum Vitae, and
   2.  motivation letter (max. 500 words), and
   3.  one reference letter, and
2. Completed online survey, incl. story pitch and links to selected investigative work samples, see link here: https://forms.office.com/e/0BpR0vqemF?origin=lprLink.

DW Akademie promotes diversity and equal opportunities. We strive for gender parity and particularly encourage women to apply.

Applications should be addressed to Almuth Schellpeper at the following email address: dw-akademie.kenya@dw.com with the subject line “Fellowship”.

For more details, visit OFFICIAL LINK & APPLY