Code for Africa Fact-Checking Fellowship 2026: Apply Now

Are you a journalist ready to fight misinformation in Southern Africa? The Code for Africa Fact-checking Fellowship Program 2026 offers a chance to gain skills and support for that work. This program helps fact-checkers expose false information and build trust in news.

Code for Africa runs the program through its African Fact-checking Alliance. It targets journalists in Southern Africa with stipend-based fellowships. The goal is to teach tools for investigating and debunking lies that harm democracy.

This effort ties into the “Strengthening Information Integrity and Democratic Resilience in Southern Africa” project. It builds on earlier work from 2024-2025, backed by Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The new phase runs from 2026 to 2027 and covers key countries in the region.

Key Benefits for Fellows

Fellows get real support to grow their skills. Each one receives a monthly stipend to cover their time. They also gain hands-on training from experts at PesaCheck, iLAB, and Code for Africa teams.

Training includes work with fact-checkers, data analysts, multimedia producers, and editors. Mentors provide one-on-one guidance. Fellows can improve their newsroom’s fact-checking desk or start a new one.

Projects get published on local media platforms. Code for Africa helps with international sharing too. This boosts a fellow’s reach and impact.

Who Can Apply

The program has clear rules to ensure the right people join. Applicants must not work for paramilitary or security groups. They need to stay non-partisan.

You should be a journalist or digital storyteller with at least one year of experience. Show a portfolio of published work. Fact-checking background is a plus.

Be linked to a media partner where you publish or broadcast. Speak English or French fluently, based on your country’s main language. Have a reliable computer and steady internet for online sessions.

Live in one of these countries: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.

Commit to sharing your work publicly. Code for Africa can help with partnerships. Also, plan to teach your new skills to colleagues and join virtual meetings.

How to Apply for the Fellowship

Applications close on April 10, 2026. Send yours before then, or it will not count. Use the online form to submit details and your portfolio.

For full details, check the official call on the CfA/AFCA Fact-checking Fellowship page. The direct application link is here.

This Code for Africa Fact-checking Fellowship Program 2026 equips you to make a difference. Journalists who join help protect information integrity across Southern Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Code for Africa Fact-checking Fellowship Program 2026?

It is a stipend-based program for journalists in Southern Africa to learn fact-checking skills, debunk misinformation, and build trust in news through training and support from the African Fact-checking Alliance.

Who can apply for the fellowship?

Journalists or digital storytellers with at least one year of experience from countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Zambia, who have a portfolio, media partnership, and reliable internet.

What benefits do fellows receive?

Fellows get a monthly stipend, hands-on training from experts, one-on-one mentorship, and help publishing projects on local and international platforms.

How do I apply and what is the deadline?

Submit your application and portfolio via the online form linked on the official CfA/AFCA page before April 10, 2026.