Application Deadline: 3rd March 2025
Submissions are currently being accepted for the 2026 Code for Africa (CfA) Media Sentinel Fellowships. The Code for Africa initiative is seeking four dedicated frontline grassroots researchers and journalists who possess expertise in social media listening and analysis. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a thorough understanding of cross-platform coordination and messaging across key social media channels including Facebook, Telegram, WhatsApp, and X (formerly known as Twitter).
This part-time fellowship spans six months and is a collaborative effort between CfA and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The program is designed to bolster information integrity within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region by identifying, disrupting, and removing harmful actors online. A core objective of the fellowship is to safeguard inclusive democracy and uphold human rights in the digital era.
The fellowship strategically employs digital tools to fortify democratic processes, with a particular focus on monitoring and countering climate-related disinformation, foreign interference in information spaces, the 2026 South African municipal elections, and xenophobic narratives. These efforts will concentrate on countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Madagascar, South Africa, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is designed for professionals who can apply their social media expertise alongside CfA’s watchlists and lexicons to proactively identify, interpret, and communicate early warning signs of toxic online content. To qualify, candidates must adhere to the following requirements:
- Maintain a non-partisan stance, with no affiliations to government bodies, paramilitary groups, political parties, state-affiliated media, or any organizations that could suggest political bias at either national or local levels.
- Be fluent in either English or French to effectively engage with the fellowship’s content and activities.
- Have reliable access to a personal laptop or computer equipped with a stable internet connection to participate in program activities, including virtual classes and mentoring sessions.
- Possess a strong understanding of social media platforms such as Facebook, Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp, and X.
- Be available to commit to weekly, one-hour online meetings as part of the fellowship’s collaborative framework.
Fellowship Benefits and Structure
This six-month program offers a range of valuable resources and support, including:
- Monthly Stipend: Fellows will receive a competitive financial stipend. The amount will vary based on their influence level—whether macro or nano influencers—and prior experience in comparable projects.
- Training and Mentorship: Participants will be provided with advanced training in both traditional and social media monitoring techniques, coupled with ongoing mentorship to refine their skills and enhance their impact.
This fellowship represents a significant opportunity for media professionals in Southern Africa to play a pivotal role in strengthening democratic resilience through digital innovation and informed monitoring of social media ecosystems.
For more detailed information and to submit your application, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Code for Africa (CfA) Media Sentinel Fellowships.
