Applications are currently open for the 2026 edition of the Code for Africa (CfA) Mythbusters Fellowships, with a deadline set for 6 February 2026. This year, CfA is extending 23 fellowship opportunities specifically to community influencers based in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. Over the course of six months, selected fellows will act as vital communicators dedicated to combating misinformation and promoting information resilience within their local communities.
These fellowships are structured as part-time engagements and represent a collaborative effort between Code for Africa and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The initiative focuses on enhancing the integrity of information by implementing disinformation alerts and conducting awareness-raising campaigns across the two target countries.
Successful fellows will collaborate closely with CfA’s forensic investigative unit, along with the teams from iLAB and PesaCheck. Their primary responsibility will be to disseminate evidence-backed reports aimed at thwarting the spread of manipulated information in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. Utilizing their skills in visual storytelling or leveraging their considerable social media followings, fellows will amplify these investigative findings through compelling, concise content. This content will be crafted in graphic, audio, or video formats, predominantly communicated in local languages to maximize impact.
Who Should Apply? Eligibility Criteria
The Mythbusters Fellowship is designed to empower nano- and micro-influencers operating within Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, equipping them to become proactive advocates for truthful and reliable information. These influencers will harness their digital platforms to expose the risks associated with deceptive content, fostering local conversations about the negative consequences of misinformation.
Applicants must fulfill the following prerequisites:
- Be a social media influencer with an actively engaged audience. Preference will be given to trusted local voices functioning as either nano- or micro-influencers.
- Maintain a non-partisan stance, with no affiliations to government entities, paramilitary groups, political parties, state-run media, or any organizations that might compromise perceived impartiality, especially during electoral periods.
- Commit to sharing and publishing their work on accessible public platforms. CfA will support with connections and syndications when appropriate.
- Be fluent in French and ideally Wolof (for candidates from Senegal), alongside dominant local ethnic languages within their area of influence.
- Have reliable access to a laptop or desktop computer and consistent internet connectivity to actively participate in fellowship activities, including online courses and mentorship sessions.
- Agree to disseminate newly acquired skills and insights within their organizations, among followers, and the broader journalism and research communities by showcasing their projects and methodologies.
- Utilize their social media channels to promote the fellowship’s initiatives and outputs throughout its duration.
- Be available to join at least two virtual meetings per week, each lasting approximately one hour.
What the Fellowship Offers
Participants in this fellowship will benefit from multiple advantages, including:
- Monthly Stipend: Fellows will receive a competitive financial allowance throughout the fellowship period.
- Networking Opportunities: As members of the Coalition of Peacebuilders (COPP) influencer network, fellows will be invited to participate in network events and may have opportunities to present their work at significant continental conferences.
Additional Information and Application
To learn more about the program details or to submit your application, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Code for Africa (CfA) Mythbusters Fellowships.
