Apply Now: Kwame Karikari Fact-Checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026

Applications are now open for the Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026. The deadline is April 4, 2026. This program gives journalists a strong chance to fight misinformation with hands-on training and real-world projects that make a difference.

Journalists can gain skills in open-source intelligence, or OSINT, to check facts better. Their work will reach wide audiences and help build trust in news. This article covers the fellowship’s background, key benefits, who can apply, and steps to submit an application.

The Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism, or PTCIJ, runs this fellowship through its fact-checking project called DUBAWA. It honors Professor Kwame Karikari, a key advocate for media freedom and founder of the Media Foundation for West Africa. The program fights the fast spread of false information in West Africa, especially in rural and urban areas. It builds a culture of fact-checking worldwide, with a focus on information problems in Africa. This is the third year of the Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026.

The program has two tracks, each lasting six months:

• A track for journalists and fact-checkers to add fact-checking to their daily work.
• A track for scholars and researchers to do original studies on information disorder for publication.

These tracks help newsrooms stay accountable and grow fact-checking skills in West Africa’s English-speaking countries.

The Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026 offers real tools to beat misinformation. Fellows get intensive training in OSINT from DUBAWA and DAIDAC experts. They learn the latest verification methods and tools. Their fact-checks get published on their own platforms and DUBAWA’s channels for bigger impact.

Newsrooms gain support to set up fact-checking desks and improve checks inside. Fellows join a network of West African journalists focused on accuracy. They also lead talks on fact-checking across social media, radio, and TV to boost media literacy.

Here are the main benefits in a quick list:

• Practical OSINT training with hands-on coaching and mentorship.
• Real-world impact through published reports on your platform and DUBAWA.
• Newsroom capacity building to create fact-checking desks.
• Regional professional network with peers across West Africa.
• Multi-platform visibility on social media, radio, and TV.

These perks help journalists grow and make news more reliable.

Many types of journalists qualify for the Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026. It targets full-time workers from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or The Gambia. Fact-checkers and investigative reporters who want to level up their skills fit well. Past fellows interested in OSINT are welcome back.

The program seeks strong writers who love finding the truth. Applicants must commit time and get support from their bosses to publish fact-checks. Women and journalists with disabilities get strong encouragement to apply. Those who cover climate or conflict issues are also a great match.

Check your fit with this list:

• Full-time journalists from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or The Gambia.
• Fact-checkers or investigative journalists ready to advance.
• Past Kwame Karikari fellows interested in OSINT.
• Exceptional writers passionate about truth.
• Eager learners in fact-checking.
• Committed participants with management buy-in.
• Female journalists and those with disabilities (strongly encouraged).
• Experts in climate and conflict reporting.

This wide range opens doors for many dedicated professionals.

To apply, use the Google Form linked here: Click here to apply. For full details, visit the Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship page.

Application Deadline: April 4, 2026
Submit soon—the deadline approaches fast!

Managers must back your work, so confirm that first. Act now to join this vital program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Kwame Karikari Fellowship 2026?

Full-time journalists, fact-checkers, and investigative reporters from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or The Gambia qualify, especially women, those with disabilities, and experts in climate or conflict reporting.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is April 4, 2026, so submit your application soon via the Google Form.

What are the two tracks in the fellowship?

One track is for journalists and fact-checkers to integrate fact-checking into daily work, and the other is for scholars and researchers to study information disorder.

How do I apply for the fellowship?

Use the Google Form linked on the DUBAWA site, confirm your manager’s support, and visit the fellowship page for full details.