African Union Media Fellowship 2025–2026 — Fully Funded Opportunity for African Journalists and Content Creators

2. Emerging Economic Sectors – Sports & Creative Industries

This theme explores Africa’s rapidly growing sports and creative sectors as powerful engines for inclusive economic growth, job creation, and cultural expression. It invites stories that highlight how these emerging industries can unlock new opportunities for youth, strengthen local economies, and position Africa as a global hub for innovation and talent.

Story proposals should address:

• The development of Africa’s sports economy, including its potential to drive economic growth, generate employment, foster youth development, boost tourism, and stimulate investment in sports infrastructure.
• The rise of Africa’s cultural and creative industries (CCIs) spanning performing and visual arts, audio-visual and multimedia production, publishing, music, gaming, interactive media, cultural heritage, architecture, and fashion with a focus on stories that advocate for increased investment and policy support to grow the CCIs into a leading economic sector for Africa’s future.

Reference Material:
Emerging Economic Sectors – Sports & the Culture and Creative Industries Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries in Africa; AU Sports Council; Policy Framework for The Sustainable Development of Sport in Africa; Common African Film Market Initiative.

This theme highlights Africa’s commitment to transforming its agricultural sector and safeguarding its environment to ensure food security, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience. It seeks stories that showcase innovative practices, investments, and regional collaborations advancing a greener, more sustainable Africa.

Story proposals should address:

• • Investment in sustainable, modern agriculture and agribusiness in line with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
• • Initiatives promoting environmental sustainability and climate action through renewable energy, reforestation, and regional projects such as the Great Green Wall of Africa.
• • The emerging potential of Africa’s Blue Economy, including sustainable use of ocean and water resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health.

Reference materials include:

Agricultural Development & Environment Management The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP); CAADP Strategy and Action Plan; The Great Green Wall Initiative Strategy and Ten-Year Implementation Framework; The Great Green Wall Initiative Strategy and Ten-Year Implementation Framework; Africa Blue Economy Strategy; Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan ;

4. Promoting Good Governance

This theme focuses on the essential role of good governance in driving social and economic development, peace, security, and stability across Africa. It calls for stories that highlight efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, and promote transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights as foundations for inclusive and sustainable development.

Story proposals should address:

• How good governance practices contribute to social and economic progress, peacebuilding, and stability.
• Initiatives that advance transparency, accountability, and the rule of law at local, national, or regional levels.
• Efforts to protect and promote human rights and strengthen democratic institutions as part of Africa’s development agenda under Agenda 2063.

Reference materials include:
Promoting Good Governance The African Peer Review Mechanism; The Africa Governance Report; AU Master Roadmap to Silence the Guns; Continental Framework for Youth, Peace and Security; Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Peace Building; African Union Human Rights Treaties; AU Treaties on Migration, Labour and Refugees; AU Treaties on Governance.

This theme focuses on the critical role of modern infrastructure, technological advancement, and innovation in driving Africa’s industrialisation and competitiveness in the global economy. It calls for stories that highlight investments, policies, and initiatives positioning Africa to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Story proposals should address:

• How investment in large-scale, interconnected infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies, and human capital development is advancing Africa’s industrialisation and economic integration.
• Efforts to promote clean and sustainable energy solutions to power Africa’s industries and support climate-resilient growth.
• The development of Africa’s emerging space industry, including its potential to drive technological innovation, data-driven decision-making, and regional collaboration.

Reference materials include:
Transforming Africa through Investment in Infrastructure, Technology and Digital Innovation Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA); The African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM); Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa; Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy; African Digital Compact; AU Data Policy Framework; The Continental (Power System) Master Plan (CMP); Africa-EU Energy Partnership; Global Gateway Africa – Europe Investment Package; Continental Energy Programme in Africa (CEPA); Continental Energy Programme in Africa (CEPA). Science Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA).