The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), with funding support and in partnership with Co-Develop, is launching a call for applications for the third cohort of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Journalism Fellowship Programme.
The DPI Journalism Fellowship project which commenced in 2023 seeks to build a corps of informed journalists equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to report and contribute to increasing public access to information, greater public awareness, and more robust engagement in Digital Public Infrastructure/Digital Public Goods (DPGs) policy development and implementation throughout the West African region. So far sixty-five journalists from ten countries have been part of the Fellowship.
This cohort, which is exclusive to journalists in Nigeria, aims to increase public awareness, stimulate debates, foster inclusivity, and encourage participation and uptake of DPI/DPGs issues in the country.
Programme Details:
The Fellowship will focus on selecting 15 experienced journalists from Nigeria to participate in a six-month fellowship from October 2025 to March 2026.
The Fellowship includes both virtual and in-person components, with an in-country capacity-building session for the selected fellows. It will include training workshops, mentorship, and story production on DPI/DPGs issues. Quarterly virtual follow-up refreshers will also be held for the Fellows and Fellowship Alumni, facilitating knowledge-sharing and collaboration on DPI/DPGs issues.
By the end of the Fellowship, each fellow is expected to have produced at least six significant stories on DPI/DPGs. Fellows will be required to publish their stories in their respective news media organisations. Fellows will also receive a certificate of participation.
Benefits:
- Training and mentorship opportunities
- Monthly stipend of US$250 per Fellow for the first three months of the Fellowship
- Reporting grants for Fellows (up to US$300 per story)
- Partner newsrooms will be supported with a one time payment of US$1000 under a DPI/DPGs Newsroom Partnership Programme
- Travel Grants to support best DPI/DPG Reporters to participate in international trainings or convenings that will further enhance their knowledge and capacity on DPI/DPG issues
Selection Criteria:
- Ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and to respect the opinions of others
- Strong social and communication skills
- An energetic, positive attitude to work
- Proven record of diligent journalistic reporting backed by research
- Basic knowledge, interest, or professional experience in ICTs and digitalisation issues
NB: Applications should include a 350-word statement of interest, a CV with two referees, a statement of support from the applicant’s media organisation, and a copy of a national ID.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should complete the fellowship application form here: https://forms.gle/Jvos6m6FyehKGM2U6
The deadline for applications is September 12, 2025.
Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email.
For further clarification, kindly contact Vivian Affoah at vivian[@]mfwa.org or Dora Boamah Mawutor at dora[@]mfwa.org.
