2026 INMA Elevate Scholarship: Open for African News Media Pros – Apply by April 17
Applications are now open for the 2026 International News Media Association (INMA) Elevate Scholarship Programme. This program targets talented news media professionals in Africa who want to boost their careers. It helps people under age 35 with less than five years in the news industry. You must work for a news organization in Africa and show a need for training on the job. The class will have no more than 50 people, and the deadline to apply is April 17, 2026. INMA offers a special spark through its training and mentorship that sets careers on a higher path. This article covers eligibility rules, benefits, the timeline, master class options, and how to apply.
To qualify, you need to meet a few key requirements. Successful applicants work for a news media organization in Africa. They must be under 35 years old and have less than five years in the news industry. They also need to show a clear need for on-the-job training and education. The program caps the class at 50 people to keep it focused.
- Employed by a news media organization in Africa
- Under the age of 35
- Less than 5 years in the news industry
- Demonstrate a need for on-the-job training and education
- Class size capped at 50 applicants
The benefits aim to elevate your career with top training and support. You get registration for two global master classes from a strong list of topics. There are also two virtual modules focused on Africa and mentorship. Plus, you gain access to livestreams, recordings, a private WhatsApp group for peers, public recognition, a certification after finishing requirements, and one year of INMA individual membership. These perks build skills and connections fast.
- Registration to two global master classes (options include Subscriber Retention, Newsrooms & AI, Subscriber Acquisition, Product & Tech, Digital Advertising, Young Audiences)
- Two Africa- and mentorship-focused virtual modules: Understanding the business of media; Navigating the corridors of power in media
- Access to livestream virtual modules and recordings
- Access to private WhatsApp group for peer communications
- Recognition of your selection to the programme
- Certification after verified completion of two mentoring sessions and two master classes
- One year of INMA individual membership
The program follows a clear timeline to help you plan. Key dates cover applications, announcements, mentorship, and master classes. A table below lists them all for quick reference.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Deadline to apply | April 17, 2026 |
| Class participants announced | May 28, 2026 |
| Mentorship: Navigating the corridors of power in media | August 13, 2026 |
| Mentorship: Understanding the business of media | September 17, 2026 |
| Subscriber Retention Master Class | June 4-11, 2026 |
| Newsrooms & AI Master Class | October 8-15, 2026 |
| Subscriber Acquisition Master Class | November 5-12, 2026 |
| Product & Tech Master Class | February 2027 |
| Digital Advertising Master Class | March 2027 |
| Young Audiences Master Class | April 2027 |
You pick two master classes from the options above to fit your goals. Each one covers key skills for modern news media, like using AI in newsrooms or growing subscribers. The mentorship modules dive into Africa-specific topics. They help you grasp media business basics and handle power dynamics in the industry.
- Subscriber Retention Master Class (June 4-11, 2026)
- Newsrooms & AI Master Class (October 8-15, 2026)
- Subscriber Acquisition Master Class (November 5-12, 2026)
- Product & Tech Master Class (February 2027)
- Digital Advertising Master Class (March 2027)
- Young Audiences Master Class (April 2027)
For full details and to apply, head to the official INMA webpage. This program suits news media professionals in Africa who need a career boost early on. Check the site for the application process and submit before the deadline.
Apply Now: Visit the Official Webpage
Deadline: April 17, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the 2026 INMA Elevate Scholarship?
You must work for a news media organization in Africa, be under 35 years old, have less than five years in the industry, and show a need for on-the-job training.
What benefits does the program offer?
It provides registration for two master classes, two virtual mentorship modules, access to recordings and a peer WhatsApp group, certification, public recognition, and one year of INMA membership.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is April 17, 2026, and selected participants will be announced on May 28, 2026.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Visit the official INMA webpage at inma.org for full details and submit your application before the April 17, 2026 deadline.