Applications Open for the 2026 AAOSI Fellowship for African Journalists

Application Deadline: March 6, 2026

In an age where information travels faster than truth, journalists play a critical role in defending democracy. The African Academy for Open Source Investigation (AAOSI) Fellowship 2026, powered by Code for Africa (CfA), invites journalists across the continent to apply for a transformative four-month fellowship that equips them with cutting-edge tools in open-source intelligence (OSINT) and social media investigation (SOCMINT).

This fellowship isn’t just another training—it’s a call to action for African journalists who want to use data and digital tools to uncover hidden truths, counter disinformation, and strengthen democratic accountability. As digital manipulation and coordinated misinformation campaigns continue to threaten free expression and civic trust, initiatives like the AAOSI Fellowship are helping build a generation of evidence-driven journalists ready to defend information integrity in Africa.

With applications closing on March 6, 2026, this is a rare opportunity for journalists eager to sharpen their investigative edge, collaborate with experts, and produce impactful cross-border stories that matter.

About the AAOSI Fellowship

The AAOSI Fellowship is a flagship initiative of Code for Africa (CfA)—the continent’s largest network of civic technology and open data labs. Through its African Academy for Open Source Investigation, CfA trains and mentors investigative journalists, data specialists, and media innovators to use open-source tools to expose corruption, disinformation, and digital manipulation.

The 2026 Fellowship will select six outstanding journalists from eligible African countries to participate in a four-month, fully supported program. Fellows will gain hands-on experience in digital investigation, OSINT, and forensic reporting techniques—skills increasingly vital in today’s fast-evolving media landscape.

This program is part of CfA’s broader effort to promote information integrity, enhance digital resilience, and empower local journalists to use open data for civic good. By combining training, mentorship, and access to a pan-African investigation network, the AAOSI Fellowship is transforming how African media uncovers truth in a complex information environment.

What the Fellowship Offers

The AAOSI Fellowship is more than just skill development—it’s an ecosystem of learning, collaboration, and impact. Fellows receive extensive technical support and access to leading experts in investigative journalism.

Selected Fellows Will Receive:

• Monthly stipend to support participation during the four-month program.
• Intensive OSINT and SOCMINT training, including hands-on sessions on digital forensics and data verification.
• One-on-one mentorship from Code for Africa’s iLAB, PesaCheck, and CivicSignal AI teams.
• Publishing support to ensure investigative reports reach regional and international audiences.
• Amplification and visibility support, helping fellows expand the reach of their stories.
• Membership in a pan-African network of open-source investigators collaborating on transnational investigations.
• Access to advanced tools and resources to enhance fact-checking, information tracking, and data-driven storytelling.

Each fellow will produce two original, evidence-based investigative reports by the end of the program—an opportunity to apply learned techniques in real-world contexts.

Focus Areas of the AAOSI Fellowship

The fellowship addresses some of Africa’s most pressing digital and governance challenges. Its thematic priorities include:

• Strengthening democratic accountability and civic participation.
• Enhancing digital resilience and security for civil society and pro-democracy actors.
• Promoting responsible and ethical use of digital technologies.
• Amplifying youth voices and civic engagement in digital spaces.
• Tackling information manipulation, disinformation campaigns, and hate speech.
• Investigating AI-driven propaganda and coordinated inauthentic behaviour online.

By targeting these focus areas, the AAOSI Fellowship builds the capacity of journalists to act as digital watchdogs and defenders of online integrity.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure meaningful participation and output, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be based in one of the eligible African countries.
• Have at least one year of professional journalism experience, preferably in investigative or data journalism.
• Provide evidence of recently published work (articles, reports, or investigations).
• Be affiliated with a recognized media outlet, civil society organization, or digital publication capable of publishing fellowship outputs.
• Demonstrate fluency in English or French.
• Commit to attending regular online training and mentorship sessions.
• Be willing to share acquired skills with peers or colleagues after the fellowship.
• Women and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process & Deadline

Interested journalists can apply online through the official Code for Africa Fellowship Portal. Applicants will need to submit:

• A completed application form.
• Samples of published investigative or data-driven work.
• A brief motivation statement outlining their interest in OSINT and how the fellowship will enhance their reporting.
• A letter of endorsement or proof of affiliation from their media organization.

Application Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026.
Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

Tips for a Strong Application

If you’re planning to apply, here are some expert tips to make your application stand out:

1. Show your impact. Highlight stories you’ve published that had measurable civic or policy impact.
2. Demonstrate curiosity and technical aptitude. The AAOSI Fellowship values journalists eager to explore OSINT, data tools, and digital forensics.
3. Be specific in your motivation. Describe how your investigations align with the fellowship’s goals, such as countering disinformation or improving governance transparency.
4. Provide clear examples. Link to or attach work that shows your ability to pursue complex investigations or fact-based storytelling.
5. Plan ahead. Think of potential story ideas you could develop during the fellowship that have regional or cross-border relevance.

Remember, the selection committee is looking for journalists ready to apply new tools in service of public accountability and information integrity.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The AAOSI Fellowship 2026 is timely and vital. In an era where deepfakes, misinformation, and online manipulation influence public opinion, journalists need new strategies to safeguard truth. Africa’s digital media landscape is evolving rapidly, and this fellowship ensures that African journalists are not just keeping pace—but leading the global conversation on responsible digital storytelling.

By investing in local talent and promoting cross-border collaboration, Code for Africa is nurturing a new generation of tech-savvy investigative reporters who can hold power accountable and strengthen democratic resilience across the continent.

If you are passionate about truth, transparency, and technology, the AAOSI Fellowship 2026 is your gateway to becoming part of Africa’s most dynamic network of digital investigators. Apply early, prepare your best work, and join a movement of journalists shaping the future of information integrity in Africa.

For detailed instructions and the official application link, CLICK HERE