Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026: Applications Open for West African Journalists
Applications are now open for the Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026. This program stands out as a key effort to fight misinformation across West Africa. DUBAWA and the Digital Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Information Disorder Analysis Centre (DAIDAC) run the fellowship. It lasts three months and focuses on building strong skills in fact-checking and open-source intelligence, or OSINT. This article covers what the fellowship offers, who can apply, its benefits, how to submit an application, and details on the organizers. With the deadline set for April 4, 2026, journalists should act fast to join this vital training.
What is the Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026?
The Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026 is a three-month intensive program. DUBAWA and DAIDAC created it to train journalists in West Africa. The goal is to equip them with skills to battle information disorder, like fake news and false claims. Participants gain hands-on practice in fact-checking and OSINT tools. They also receive mentorship to apply these skills in real work.
Key parts of the program include:
- Hands-on OSINT training with current tools and verification methods.
- Mentorship from DUBAWA and DAIDAC experts.
- Real-world projects that lead to published fact-checks.
- Focus on building truth-telling skills for local communities.
Eligibility Requirements
The fellowship targets journalists ready to sharpen their skills against misinformation. Its criteria ensure participants can commit and make an impact. This setup matches the program’s aim to strengthen fact-checking in West Africa newsrooms.
Here are the nine requirements:
- Full-time journalists from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or The Gambia.
- Fact-checkers or investigative journalists who want to advance their work.
- Past fellows of the Kwame Karikari fellowship interested in OSINT.
- Exceptional writers with a strong passion for truth.
- Individuals eager to learn and improve in fact-checking.
- Journalists who can dedicate time to the fellowship activities.
- Those with support from their management to publish fact-checks.
- Female journalists and journalists with disabilities (PWDs) are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Journalists with expertise in climate and conflict reporting are welcome.
Key Benefits of the Fellowship
The Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026 offers clear value for participants. These perks help journalists grow and spread accurate information. They go beyond training to create lasting change in newsrooms and communities.
- Practical OSINT training:
- Intensive, hands-on coaching in fact-checking with open-source intelligence.
- Guidance from DUBAWA and DAIDAC teams.
- Mastery of current tools and verification techniques.
- Real-world impact:
- Publish reports on your media platform and DUBAWA channels.
- Expand reach while tackling misinformation.
- Newsroom capacity building:
- Support to set up a fact-checking desk.
- Strengthen internal verification systems.
- Regional professional network:
- Join a community of journalists focused on accuracy.
- Collaborate with peers across West Africa.
- Multi-platform visibility:
- Lead fact-checking talks on social media, radio, and TV.
- Promote media literacy for audiences.
Application Details and Deadline
Application Deadline: April 4, 2026
Timeliness matters for this opportunity. To apply, visit the official Google Form for the Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026 and submit your details. The process is straightforward and open now.
About the Organizers
DUBAWA and DAIDAC lead the way in Africa for deep research, information checks, and fact-finding. They focus on stopping the spread of false information through reliable methods. Their work builds trust in journalism across the region.
Their main efforts cover:
- In-depth research on digital threats.
- AI and tech for better verification.
- Training to fight information disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026?
It is a three-month program by DUBAWA and DAIDAC that trains West African journalists in fact-checking and OSINT tools to fight misinformation.
Who is eligible to apply?
Full-time journalists from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or The Gambia, especially fact-checkers, investigative reporters, women, and those with disabilities.
What are the main benefits?
Participants get hands-on OSINT training, mentorship, chances to publish fact-checks, newsroom support, and a network of peers across West Africa.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Submit your application through the official Google Form; the deadline is April 4, 2026.