Call for Applications: Fellowship for Investigative Journalism in East Africa

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.

The investigative fellowship 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. Journalists will have the opportunity to learn more about current digital threats and foster professional media networks in the East African region with reporters, editors, data experts and scientists pursuing similar thematic projects.

Scope of Services

• 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 duration of the fellowship will be from July to middle of November 2024. 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.

Assignment Period

• 1 July – 15 November 2024

Location

• East Africa, incl. Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan

Eligibility Criteria

• 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.

For more information, visit DW Akademie.