Application Deadline: 27 February 2026
Applications are officially open for the 2026 Mythbusters Fellowships, an initiative led by Code for Africa (CfA). This program offers five part-time fellowship opportunities designed for community influencers across Africa. Over the course of three months, selected fellows will take on the role of advocates for information resilience, focusing on enhancing access to accurate, trustworthy information within their communities.
This fellowship is a collaborative effort between CfA and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its primary objective is to bolster the integrity of information ecosystems in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region by identifying, disrupting, and removing malign actors who spread misinformation. Ultimately, the program seeks to safeguard inclusive democratic processes and uphold human rights amidst the digital age's challenges.
The fellowship emphasizes the use of digital tools to strengthen democratic values, with a particular focus on critical issues such as climate change narratives, foreign interference in information channels, the 2026 municipal elections in South Africa, and rising xenophobic sentiments. This initiative targets participants from four specific countries within the SADC region: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Madagascar, South Africa, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Roles and Responsibilities of Fellows
Successful candidates will collaborate closely with several expert teams, including iLAB, CfA’s forensic investigation unit, and the PesaCheck fact-checking team. Their core mission is to disseminate evidence-based information that counters misinformation and manipulative content circulating in their communities.
Fellows will leverage their visual storytelling talents and/or their substantial social media followings to communicate investigative insights. They are expected to create compelling, concise content in various formats—such as graphics, audio clips, or videos—primarily delivered in local languages to maximize impact.
To equip fellows with the necessary expertise, Academy Africa will provide comprehensive training in fact-checking methodologies, journalistic ethics, and accuracy standards. Moreover, an experienced team of international investigators from iLAB and social media engagement specialists from CfA will offer ongoing mentorship throughout the fellowship.
This program aims to empower fellows with the ability to critically identify misleading claims and advocate for dependable information from media outlets and civil society watchdogs alike.
Eligibility Criteria
The Mythbusters Fellowship is specifically designed to empower nano- and micro-influencers in the targeted SADC countries, enabling them to become active champions of truthful information. These digital influencers will utilize their platforms to spotlight the risks posed by manipulative content, driving local conversations about the negative effects of misinformation on the fellowship’s key thematic areas.
Applicants should meet the following essential requirements:
- Be a social media influencer with a significantly engaged audience, including participation in live social discussions.
- Preference will be given to credible local voices functioning as nano- or micro-influencers.
- Maintain a strictly non-partisan stance, with no affiliations to any government bodies, paramilitary groups, political parties, state-controlled media, or any organizations that might introduce perceived bias during electoral periods.
- Commit to publishing and distributing fellowship-related content directly on personal social media channels.
- Fluency in either English or French is required.
- Have reliable access to a desktop or laptop computer with stable internet connectivity to fully engage in the fellowship’s online training and mentorship activities.
- Demonstrate a commitment to sharing newly acquired skills and knowledge within their organizations, networks, and the broader journalism and research communities, including showcasing innovative projects and fact-checking techniques.
- Be available to participate in virtual training sessions and one-on-one mentorship engagements.
What the Fellowship Offers
This three-month fellowship program includes several key benefits to support fellows’ professional growth and impact:
- Training and Mentorship: Participants will receive advanced instruction and personalized guidance in media monitoring, fact-checking, and social media engagement strategies.
- Networking Opportunities: Fellows will join the Congress for Peace (COPP) network of influencers and gain opportunities to present their work at significant continental events and conferences.
- Monthly Stipend: A competitive stipend will be provided every month to support fellows’ active involvement in training and mentorship sessions throughout the program.
Additional Information
For those interested in applying or seeking further details, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Code for Africa (CfA) Mythbusters Fellowships where comprehensive application guidelines and program information are provided.
