funding: Monthly stipend + financial and editorial support for stories
location: Ghana (residential program)
host: Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
duration: September to November 2026
source-url: https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/07/11/9th-next-generation-investigative-journalism-fellowship-2026/
apply-url: https://mfwa.org/call-for-applications-9th-edition-of-the-next-generation-investigative-journalism-fellowship/
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) is launching the 9th edition of the Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship, a 3-month residential program in Ghana focused on accountability journalism and anti-corruption reporting. The fellowship provides young Ghanaian journalists with training, mentorship, and hands-on practice in investigative journalism, with 1 key investigative story and 1 group story to be produced during the program.
Overview
The Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship is a residential program that commits fellows to full participation from September to November 2026. Fellows receive training in anti-corruption and accountability reporting, Ghana's Right to Information (RTI) law, data journalism, and fact-checking.
- Training in anti-corruption and accountability reporting
- Ghana's Right to Information (RTI) law
- Data journalism
- Fact-checking with MFWA's Fact-Check Ghana and The Fourth Estate projects
Eligibility
The program is open to Ghanaian nationals who are journalism graduates, early-career journalists, or young professionals with a passion for journalism. Women and journalists outside the Greater Accra Region are especially encouraged to apply.
- Ghanaian nationality
- Journalism graduate or early-career journalist
- Young professional with a passion for journalism
Funding & Benefits
- Monthly stipend
- Financial and editorial support for stories
- Certificate of Honour on completion
- Mentorship and hands-on practice with MFWA's projects
How to Apply
To apply for the fellowship, applicants must submit a motivation letter, two published news articles or a published blog post, a letter of consent from their employer (for staff journalists), and a CV with two referees.
- Motivation letter (max 400 words)
- Two published news articles or a published blog post
- Letter of consent from employer (for staff journalists)
- CV with two referees
Why This Matters
The Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for young Ghanaian journalists to develop their investigative journalism skills and contribute to accountability and anti-corruption reporting in Ghana. With a focus on hands-on practice and mentorship, the fellowship has the potential to produce high-quality investigative stories and contribute to a more transparent and accountable society.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship is a 3-month residential program running from September to November 2026.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
The program is open to Ghanaian nationals who are journalism graduates, early-career journalists, or young professionals with a passion for journalism.
What kind of training will fellows receive?
Fellows will receive training in anti-corruption and accountability reporting, Ghana's Right to Information (RTI) law, data journalism, and fact-checking.
What kind of support will fellows receive?
Fellows will receive financial and editorial support to produce at least one key investigative or in-depth story and contribute to a group story.
What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications is July 30, 2026.
Do I need to have prior experience in investigative journalism to apply?
No, the fellowship is open to early-career journalists and young professionals with a passion for journalism, as well as experienced journalists looking to develop their investigative journalism skills.