Call for Applications: Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) DPI Journalism Fellowship – Phase II (Nigeria Cohort)

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), with funding support and in partnership with Co-Develop, is inviting applications for the third cohort of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Journalism Fellowship Programme.

Launched in 2023, this Fellowship is designed to build a strong network of informed journalists equipped with the knowledge and skills to report on and contribute to:

• Expanding public access to information,
• Raising awareness, and
• Driving inclusive policy engagement on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Digital Public Goods (DPGs) in West Africa.

So far, 65 journalists from 10 countries have benefited from the programme.

This new Phase II cohort is exclusive to journalists in Nigeria, aiming to:

• Increase public awareness,
• Stimulate debates,
• Foster inclusivity, and
• Encourage participation and uptake of DPI/DPGs issues nationwide.

Also Apply: Apply For Federal Government Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP)

Programme Details

• Number of Fellows: 15 Nigerian journalists
• Duration: 6 months (October 2025 – March 2026)
• Format: Blended (virtual + in-person)

Activities Include:

• In-country capacity-building workshop
• Training sessions and mentorship
• Story production on DPI/DPGs
• Quarterly virtual refreshers for Fellows and Alumni

By the end of the Fellowship, each participant is expected to publish at least six impactful stories on DPI/DPGs in their respective media organisations.

Fellows will also receive a certificate of participation.

Also Apply: Apply Now | Wema SARA ₦2.5M Grant for Transforming Nigerian Youths 2025

Benefits

• Comprehensive training and mentorship
• Monthly stipend: USD $250 (first three months)
• Reporting grants: Up to USD $300 per story
• Newsroom support: One-time USD $1000 grant under the DPI/DPGs Newsroom Partnership Programme
• Travel grants: Opportunities for outstanding fellows to attend international trainings or convenings on DPI/DPGs

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be journalists based in Nigeria
• Demonstrate strong reporting, research, and writing skills
• Have an interest, background, or professional experience in ICTs and digitalisation issues
• Show ability to work collaboratively in diverse groups
• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Maintain a positive, professional attitude

Also Apply: PalmPay Hustle Grant 2025: Win ₦500,000 to Grow Your Business!

Application Requirements

Applications must include:

• A 350-word statement of interest
• A CV with two referees
• A statement of support from the applicant’s media organisation
• A copy of a national ID

Deadline: September 12, 2025

Apply here