Climate Change Media Fellowship 2026 by MESHA (Canada) – Paid Action Research Fellowship for African Journalists

The Climate Change Media Fellowship 2026 is a one-year, action research–based fellowship offered by Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA) in partnership with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). This Climate Change Media Fellowship targets professional journalists from Eastern and Southern Africa, supporting them to deepen, strengthen, and reframe climate change reporting from African perspectives, with a strong focus on gender equality and social inclusion.

This paid Climate Change Media Fellowship will select eight (8) journalists (at least 50% women) to participate in the Action Research to Enhance Effective Coverage of Climate Change Issues in Africa (ARECCCA) project for the 2026–2027 cycle. Fellows will receive story grants, mentorship, structured engagement forums, and capacity-building opportunities while contributing to high-quality climate journalism across the region.

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Introduction and Background: About the Climate Change Media Fellowship 2026

The Climate Change Media Fellowship 2026 is designed to respond to persistent gaps in climate change reporting in Africa, particularly the underrepresentation of African realities, vulnerable communities, and gendered impacts of climate change. Through the ARECCCA action research project, MESHA seeks to document lessons, enhance reporting depth, and strengthen collaboration between journalists, climate researchers, policymakers, and communities.

MESHA is a Canada-based organization dedicated to strengthening journalism at the intersection of environment, science, health, and agriculture. For this fellowship, MESHA is working with IDRC’s Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office in Nairobi, reinforcing the programme’s regional relevance and research grounding.

Unlike traditional fellowships, the Climate Change Media Fellowship emphasizes action research, where journalists actively reflect on their reporting practices, apply new approaches, and contribute to collective learning on effective climate communication from African perspectives.

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Objectives of the Climate Change Media Fellowship

The Climate Change Media Fellowship 2026 pursues four core objectives:

1. Document and share lessons on covering climate change issues from African perspectives through action research

2. Deepen climate change coverage across Eastern and Southern Africa by addressing identified reporting gaps

3. Strengthen relationships among journalists, climate researchers, policymakers, and communities

4. Enhance MESHA’s positioning in the climate reporting space and explore sustainable support mechanisms for climate journalism

These objectives guide all fellowship activities, story development processes, and engagement forums throughout the year.

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Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria for the Climate Change Media Fellowship 2026

Eligible Countries and Region

Applicants must be professional journalists reporting from Eastern or Southern Africa. The fellowship is regionally focused, and only applicants based in or representing media houses in these regions are eligible.

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Professional Background Requirements

To be eligible for the Climate Change Media Fellowship 2026, applicants must:

• Be a professional journalist from or representing an established media house

• Work with a media outlet that has urban or rural reach, including national, regional, or international coverage

• Have previous experience reporting on climate change issues

• Demonstrate experience reporting on climate change from a gender equality and social inclusion perspective

• Possess media accreditation in their country (obtaining accreditation is the applicant’s responsibility)

Both staff journalists and freelancers are eligible, provided they meet the documentation requirements.

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Language and Availability

Applicants must:

• Have a good command of English

• Be available and willing to participate actively in the fellowship for one full year

• Commit to participating in all fellowship activities, including mentorship sessions and engagement forums

Knowledge of African languages is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

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Programme Structure and Fellowship Activities

The Climate Change Media Fellowship runs for one year, beginning in April 2026, and includes a structured set of research, reporting, and engagement activities.

Core Fellowship Activities Include

• 1 Kick-Off Workshop

• 5 Science Cafés/Roundtables for journalists and researchers

• 3 Science Cafés with climate stakeholders and policymakers

• 1 mid-term engagement forum

• Mentorship sessions and science cafés with climate experts

• Debriefing session at the end of the fellowship

• Contribution of stories to Sayansi Magazine

• Participation in 1–2 engagement forums beyond the year of participation

Fellows will also be required to identify and pitch two major reporting projects, each completed in phases over approximately five months per story.

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Funding, Benefits, and Support Provided

The Climate Change Media Fellowship 2026 provides financial and professional support, including:

• Two story grants per Fellow during the year

• Mentorship from experienced climate and science journalism professionals

• Access to climate researchers and policy experts

• Structured learning through science cafés and engagement forums

Participation in the fellowship is voluntary and does not constitute employment.

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Documents Required for Application

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• A short application letter (approximately 400 words) describing experience in climate reporting and motivation to participate

• Three (3) work samples published between January and December 2025, including at least one story demonstrating attention to gender equality and vulnerable groups

• A media accreditation card

• A letter from the editor confirming support and commitment to publish fellowship stories

• Freelancers must submit a letter of support from a media outlet they intend to report for

• Stories submitted in non-English languages must include a short English synopsis

Applicants must also be willing to complete an online training on gender, equality, and inclusion.

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Selection and Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated experience in climate and environmental reporting

• Understanding of gender equality and social inclusion

• Insight into climate impacts on vulnerable groups

• Ability to produce mobile journalism and/or multimedia stories

• A clear and feasible reporting and engagement plan

• Audience reach of the proposed media outlet(s)

Members of the MESHA climate reporting alumni may also be considered.

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How to Apply: Application Process

Applications must be submitted by email.

Submission Email

Applications should be sent to the MESHA Secretariat via email at:
info@meshascience.org

All required documents must be submitted together before the deadline.

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Important Dates and Deadline

• Application deadline: February 21, 2026 (11:59 PM East African Time)

• Expected commencement date: April 2026

• Communication of results: By March 20, 2026, via email

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Conclusion: Why the Climate Change Media Fellowship 2026 Matters

The Climate Change Media Fellowship 2026 by MESHA offers African journalists a rare opportunity to combine storytelling, research, and collaboration to improve climate change reporting across Eastern and Southern Africa. By centering African perspectives, gender equality, and community voices, the fellowship strengthens journalism’s role in shaping informed climate action and policy.

For journalists committed to high-quality, inclusive, and impactful climate reporting, this Climate Change Media Fellowship provides the tools, networks, and support needed to make a lasting difference.

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APPLY HERE – Climate Change Media Fellowship 2026

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