Code for Africa Fact-Checking Fellowship 2026: Apply Now for Southern Africa Journalists
Are you a journalist ready to fight misinformation in Southern Africa? The Code for Africa Fact-checking Fellowship Program 2026 offers a chance to gain skills and support for exposing false information. This program helps build stronger trust in news across the region.
Code for Africa, through its African Fact-checking Alliance, runs this fellowship. It targets journalists and fact-checkers in Southern Africa. The goal is to teach tools for checking facts and stopping disinformation. This fits into a larger project called “Strengthening Information Integrity and Democratic Resilience in Southern Africa.” Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs funds it. The program builds on work from 2024-2025 and runs through 2026-2027.
Key Benefits for Fellows
Fellows get a monthly stipend to support their work. They receive hands-on training from experts at PesaCheck, iLAB, and Code for Africa staff. This includes technologists, data analysts, multimedia producers, and editors. Mentorship happens one-on-one.
Participants also get help to improve or start fact-checking desks in their newsrooms. They publish projects on their own media platforms. Code for Africa assists with sharing work internationally.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet clear rules to join. They cannot work for paramilitary or security groups and must stay non-partisan. You need at least one year in media as a journalist or digital storyteller, with published work to show.
Experience in fact-checking helps but is not required. You must link to a media partner and share work in mainstream outlets. Fluency in English or French is needed, based on your country’s language. A reliable computer and steady internet are essential for online training and meetings.
You must live in one of these countries: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
Fellows commit to publishing work publicly. Code for Africa helps with partnerships if needed. You also agree to share skills with your team and join virtual meetings.
How to Apply
The deadline is April 10, 2026. Late entries will not count. Apply online through the form at forms.gle/gGQJLNxQXThJYZhv5.
For full details, check the CfA/AFCA Fact-checking Fellowship page. This program equips you to make a real difference in keeping information honest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Code for Africa Fact-checking Fellowship Program?
It is a program by Code for Africa that trains journalists and fact-checkers in Southern Africa to fight misinformation using expert tools and mentorship.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Journalists or digital storytellers from specific Southern African countries with at least one year of experience, published work, and access to a computer and internet can apply.
What benefits do fellows receive?
Fellows get a monthly stipend, hands-on training, one-on-one mentorship, and support to publish fact-checking projects on their media platforms.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Apply online via the form at forms.gle/gGQJLNxQXThJYZhv5 by April 10, 2026; late applications will not be accepted.