Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship 2026 in Ghana (Fully Funded)
The Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded, three-month residential programme for young Ghanaian journalism graduates, early-career journalists, and other young professionals. The Media Foundation for West Africa will select 10 participants for training from September to November 2026. Applications close on July 30th, 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship
Edition: Ninth edition
Opportunity Type: Investigative journalism fellowship
Host Organization: Media Foundation for West Africa
Country: Ghana
Programme Format: Fully funded residential programme
Duration: Three months
Programme Period: September–November 2026
Available Places: 10
Deadline: July 30th, 2026
About the Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship 2026
The fellowship focuses on accountability journalism and anti-corruption reporting. It forms part of a project that aims to strengthen investigative journalism and improve the environment for press freedom and freedom of expression in Ghana.
The programme will equip participants with practical skills for investigating corruption-related issues and producing reports that promote public accountability.
Training Areas
The selected fellows will receive practical training in areas including:
• Anti-corruption and accountability reporting
• Investigative journalism
• Ghana’s Right to Information Law
• Data journalism
• Fact-checking
• Investigative and in-depth story production
Participants will also receive mentorship and practical training through MFWA’s independent journalism projects, Fact-Check Ghana and The Fourth Estate.
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Benefits and Financial Coverage
The fellowship is described as a fully funded residential programme.
Selected participants will receive:
✓ Three months of practical journalism training
✓ Mentorship through MFWA’s independent journalism projects
✓ Financial support to produce at least one investigative or in-depth story
✓ Editorial support for individual and group reporting projects
✓ A monthly stipend
✓ A Certificate of Honour after successful completion
Each fellow will produce at least one key investigative or in-depth story and contribute to a group story during the programme.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
• Be a Ghanaian national
• Be a journalism graduate, early-career journalist, or young professional with a passion for journalism
• Be available for full participation in the residential programme
• Commit to the full programme period from September to November 2026
Female applicants and journalists based outside the Greater Accra Region are encouraged to apply.
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Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following materials:
• A motivation letter of no more than 400 words explaining why they want to join the fellowship
• Two published news articles for applicants working in print, television, radio, or online journalism
• One published blog post for applicants from other professional backgrounds
• A letter of consent from the employer for staff journalists
• A curriculum vitae with two referees
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are complete before submitting their application.
Selection Process
The Media Foundation for West Africa will review the submitted applications. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
The official announcement does not list additional interview stages or a date for announcing the selected participants.
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Application Process
Applicants must send all required documents to the application email address provided in the official announcement.
Before submitting, candidates should:
• Prepare the motivation letter within the 400-word limit
• Select the required published work samples
• Obtain employer consent when applicable
• Update their CV and include two referees
• Send the complete application before the deadline
Application Deadline
Applications for the ninth edition of the Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship must be submitted by July 30th, 2026.
Official Link
Read the official announcement carefully and follow the stated application instructions.Read the Official Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship Announcement
