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Call for The Dialogue Fund: Innovation and Integrity Fellowship In Africa 2026 is open now!!!
The Dialogue Fund: Innovation and Integrity Fellowship is a unique opportunity designed to empower journalists and media innovators across Southern Africa to harness the potential of artificial intelligence in service of public interest media. Organized by DW Akademie, this fellowship seeks to balance cutting‑edge innovation with the timeless values of journalistic integrity, ensuring that new technologies strengthen rather than undermine trust in news.
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At its core, the fellowship supports teams from Namibia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, and Lesotho who are committed to developing AI‑driven solutions tailored to their audiences. Vernacular language projects are especially encouraged, reflecting the program’s emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. Successful applicants will receive a €4,000 stipend, technical support, and personalized coaching to transform their ideas into viable prototypes and newsroom strategies.
The fellowship unfolds in several phases. First, applicants pitch their ideas through the online form, outlining their innovation, target audience, and organizational endorsement. Selected fellows will then participate in the IdeaLab in Windhoek, Namibia (January 26–30, 2026), where they will engage in human‑centered design workshops, prototype development, and peer exchange. This immersive experience is followed by a build phase, during which fellows refine their projects with seed funding and expert guidance. A second in‑person workshop in August/September 2026 ensures continued collaboration and knowledge sharing.
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1. Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
Eligibility requires applicants to be 21 years or older, hold a valid passport, and secure endorsement from their media organization. Teams must demonstrate a commitment to ethical journalism principles, such as those outlined by the Ethical Journalism Network, and be prepared to attend both in‑person workshops. Access to a smartphone or laptop is essential for virtual sessions.
Ultimately, the fellowship is more than funding—it is a collaborative journey to explore how AI can serve audiences responsibly, enhance newsroom viability, and uphold the integrity of journalism. By combining innovation with ethical frameworks, the program aims to foster sustainable, audience‑centered solutions that strengthen the role of media in democratic societies.
Location:
South AfricaBenefits
- Financial Support: €4,000 stipend Each selected team receives to develop and implement their AI‑driven journalism project.
- Technical Assistance: Access to expert AI coaching, training, and prototyping support to turn ideas into working solutions.
- Capacity Building: Workshops on human‑centered design, newsroom viability strategies, and ethical frameworks for responsible AI use.
- Networking & Exchange: Opportunities to collaborate with other innovators across Southern Africa, sharing knowledge and building partnerships.
- Visibility & Recognition: Present your project at the IdeaLab in Windhoek (Jan 2026) and a follow‑up workshop in Aug/Sep 2026, gaining regional exposure.
- Travel & Logistics Covered: Costs for up to two team members to attend in‑person workshops are fully funded.
- Organizational Strengthening: Fellows receive guidance on integrating AI into newsroom workflows while maintaining journalistic integrity.
- Long‑term Impact: Support to ensure your innovation is sustainable, audience‑centered, and ethically aligned, strengthening media’s role in democracy.
Eligibilities
To apply for the journalism innovation initiative fill out this form and pitch your innovative media idea to the panel. Applications close on November 23, 2025.
- Your idea and your participation need to be endorsed by your organisation.
- You must at least be 21 years old (or older) and have a passport (if from outside Namibia) and be able to travel to Windhoek in Namibia (travel expenses will be covered).
- You must be based in Namibia, Malawi, Zimbabwe or in Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Lesotho.
- You must commit to ethical journalism and its guidelines (like the core principles of the Ethical journalism Network)
Application Process
For better understanding the application process, please go through the link: Dialogue Fund: Innovation and Integrity
Application Deadline: November 23, 2025 (2 Hours Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
