MFWA 2026 Fully Funded Training Workshop for Journalists in Anglophone West Africa: Apply to Strengthen Your Reporting on Africa–China Trade, Investment and Political Relations

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), in partnership with the Wits Centre for Journalism (WCJ) in South Africa, has officially opened applications for its 2026 Training Workshop on Critical Coverage of Africa–China Trade, Investment and Political Relations. This fully funded capacity-building programme is designed for journalists from selected Anglophone West African countries who are interested in strengthening their reporting on one of the most important global relationships shaping Africa’s future.

Scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana, during the last quarter of 2026, the three-day workshop will bring together journalists from across the region to deepen their understanding of the complex political, economic, and social dimensions of Africa–China relations. The organisers aim to equip media professionals with the knowledge, analytical skills, and investigative techniques required to produce balanced, evidence-based, and impactful journalism that serves the public interest.

Application Deadline: July 30, 2026

About the MFWA Training Workshop

Africa’s relationship with China has expanded significantly over the past two decades. China has become one of Africa’s largest trading partners and investors, financing major infrastructure projects, supporting industrial development, and increasing cooperation in technology, mining, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.

However, this growing relationship also raises important questions surrounding:

• Trade and economic partnerships
• Infrastructure development
• Development financing
• Natural resource extraction
• Labour practices
• Technology transfer
• Environmental sustainability
• Governance and accountability
• International diplomacy
• Public policy

As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, journalists play a critical role in helping citizens understand the opportunities, challenges, and implications of Africa–China cooperation. Reporting on these issues requires more than simply covering official announcements—it demands context, critical analysis, investigative skills, and an understanding of international affairs.

Recognising this need, the Media Foundation for West Africa has partnered with the Wits Centre for Journalism to organise this specialised workshop titled “Building Capacity to Cover a Complex Story – Africa and China Relations.”

The programme is funded by the University of the Witwatersrand and is intended to strengthen the reporting capacity of journalists across Anglophone West Africa.

What Participants Will Learn

The workshop combines subject-matter expertise with practical journalism skills. Participants will gain insights into:

• Understanding the evolving Africa–China relationship
• Reporting on international trade and investment
• Analysing development financing and infrastructure projects
• Investigating governance and accountability issues
• Covering natural resource extraction responsibly
• Reporting on labour, technology, and environmental concerns
• Applying investigative journalism techniques
• Producing balanced, accurate, and evidence-based stories
• Framing stories from African perspectives
• Understanding global geopolitical shifts and their implications for African countries

The training seeks to improve both the depth and quality of reporting on international affairs while encouraging journalism that promotes transparency and informed public debate.

Benefits of the Programme

Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support throughout the programme.

The organisers will cover:

• Return economy-class airfare
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Local transportation within Ghana

This ensures participants can focus entirely on learning and networking without worrying about travel expenses.

Additional Opportunities After the Training

One of the most exciting aspects of this programme is that participation does not end after the workshop.

Graduates will have the opportunity to apply for:

• Reporting grants to produce in-depth investigative stories on Africa–China relations.
• Funding support for publishing high-quality public-interest journalism.
• Professional mentorship and continued engagement with experts.

Furthermore, three outstanding participants will be selected for a fully funded opportunity to attend the Africa Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC), scheduled for 10–12 November 2026 in Kenya, where they will present and discuss their reporting projects.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be based in one of the eligible Anglophone West African countries.
• Work in print, radio, television, or digital journalism.
• Report on one or more of the following beats:
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Business
  • Trade
  • Development
  • Environment
  • Extractive industries
  • Infrastructure
  • International affairs
• Be available during September–October 2026.
• Obtain a formal permission letter from their editor allowing participation.
• Be capable of producing an in-depth story after completing the workshop.

Why Journalists Should Apply

Today’s journalists increasingly cover stories that extend beyond national borders. International trade agreements, foreign investments, infrastructure financing, and geopolitical developments directly affect local communities and national development.

This workshop provides a unique opportunity to strengthen professional skills while learning from leading experts in journalism and international affairs.

Participants will also build valuable regional networks with fellow journalists, exchange experiences, and gain practical tools for producing investigative stories that inform public debate and promote accountability.

For journalists interested in politics, economics, business reporting, development journalism, or investigative reporting, this programme represents an important opportunity for career development and professional growth.

How to Apply

Interested journalists should complete the official online application form provided by the Media Foundation for West Africa. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their applications carefully and ensure they meet every eligibility requirement before submitting.

Application Deadline: July 30, 2026.

For more information and to submit your application, visit the official MFWA application page:

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