A range of high-impact opportunities is currently open for journalists, media professionals, and communicators across Africa and globally.
These include journalism awards recognising investigative, solutions-focused, insurance, and Global South reporting; newsroom and communications job openings in Nigeria; fully funded international fellowships; and postgraduate media scholarships in Europe.
This roundup highlights time-sensitive application windows, key eligibility requirements, and where to apply—helping reporters, editors, creators, and media strategists quickly identify opportunities aligned with their work and career stage.
It also features a notable newsroom innovation: the launch of ElectionWatch, an AI-powered tool designed to help journalists track and counter election-related misinformation.
If you are looking to gain recognition, secure funding, advance your career, or strengthen your reporting capacity in 2026, these opportunities are worth your immediate attention.
AWARDS
Call for Entries for Dr Goodluck Jonathan Freedom of Information Awards 2026
[Deadline: January 31, 2026] Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has opened entries for the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Freedom of Information Awards 2026, honouring journalists who excel in using Nigeria’s FOI Act, 2011, to drive transparency and accountability.
Named after former President Goodluck Jonathan, who signed the Act into law, the awards feature two categories and coincide with the Act’s 15th anniversary.
Award Categories
The first category recognizes the journalist with the highest number of FOI requests made between May 28, 2011, and December 31, 2025, backed by verifiable evidence like request copies and responses.
The second category celebrates outstanding contributions to promoting the FOI Act through awareness-raising media outputs, advocacy, or critiques of non-compliance.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be Nigerian journalists in print, broadcast, online, or multimedia, upholding ethical standards without legal or professional misconduct issues.
For Category 1, provide proof of FOI requests; for Category 2, submit media outputs with publication details.
Key Dates
- Entries open: October 23, 2025
- Submission deadline: January 31, 2026
- Winners notified: On or before April 30, 2026
- Ceremony: May 28, 2026
Application Process
Complete the form and email supporting documents to foi_awards@mediarightsagenda.org by 23:59 WAT on January 31, 2026—late entries are not accepted.
Winners receive a plaque, certificate, and prize at a public ceremony in Abuja on May 28, 2026.
The Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards 2025
[Deadline: January 31, 2026] Continental Reinsurance Plc has opened entries for the 11th Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards (2026 cycle), celebrating excellence in reporting on insurance, risk, and resilience across Africa.
Now in its 11th year, the awards honour print, online, broadcast, and new social media entries in English, French, or Arabic from journalists based in African countries.
Award Categories
Entries cover published articles, radio/TV clips, or social media content from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, focusing on insurance/reinsurance topics with in-depth analysis or innovative solutions.
A new “Best Re/Insurance Social Media Entry” category recognizes digital creators making stories accessible on platforms.
Submission Requirements
Include a 100-word explanatory brief on the work’s motivation, personal details (name, media organization, publish/broadcast date, 50–100-word profile, photo), and the entry itself.
Submissions must be original works published in the review period.
Key Dates
Entries opened October 15, 2025, with deadline January 31, 2026 (23:59 WAT). Winners announced in April 2026 at a ceremony; apply via the official site.
Learn more and Apply here: https://www.continental-re.com/journalism-awards/
Solutions Journalism Network Awards open for nominations
[Deadline: February 27, 2026] Solutions Journalism Network (SJN) invites global journalists to submit entries for its 2024-25 Awards, celebrating rigorous solutions-oriented reporting on responses to social problems.
Submissions opened December 1, 2025, and close February 27, 2026, with winners announced in late spring or early summer 2026.
Award Categories
General Excellence ($1,000) goes to the top entry meeting SJN’s four pillars; specialist awards ($500 each) cover Words (print/digital, small/large newsrooms), Broadcast (video <10 min), Audio (<20 min), Visuals, and Multimedia.
Student category offers $250 for up to three winners in various formats.
Eligibility Rules
Open to worldwide journalists or freelancers with by-lined, original English work published January 1, 2024–December 31, 2025, across platforms—no AI-generated stories, paid content, or self-promotion.
Up to two entries per person; include URL, title, date, and a 200-word optional note.
Submission Process
Use the online form (available December 1, 2025) with courtesy links for paywalls; judged on solutions pillars, ethics, and accuracy by diverse experts with AI pre-screening aid. Winners added to SJN’s Story Tracker.
Learn more and apply here: https://www.solutionsjournalism.org/what-you-can-do/awards
JOB OPENINGS
Big Cabal Media hiring associate videographer/video editor
Big Cabal Media, a leading Nigerian digital media company behind brands like Zikoko and TechCabal, is hiring an Associate Videographer/Video Editor in Lagos.
This full-time role focuses on creating engaging video content from short social clips to long-form features and event coverage.
Role Responsibilities
Shoot and edit videos that capture brand stories effectively. Collaborate on projects emphasizing creative footage, strong narratives, and audience engagement across platforms.
Requirements
Prior experience in videography and video editing required, with a passion for growth and learning. Ideal for creative, resourceful individuals who turn moments into compelling stories.
Learn more and Apply Here: https://noisy-van-d5b.notion.site/2e6128a3cc018112bad9cc5ef21436d1
Pan-Atlantic University hiring communications & PR specialist, others
[Deadline: January 23, 2026] Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) seeks a Communications & PR Specialist for a full-time role, primarily listed in Abia or Lagos, to enhance institutional messaging and stakeholder engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Gather and coordinate institutional information, manage internal communications, sensitize media for external engagement, prepare annual reports, track branded merchandise, and oversee documentation plus knowledge management.
Qualifications Required
Candidates need relevant experience in communications or PR, strong organizational skills, proficiency in content creation, and alignment with PAU’s values of integrity and service. A degree in a related field is typically expected.
How to Apply
Send CV and cover letter to recruitment@pau.edu.ng with “Communications & PR Specialist” as the email subject. Deadline is January 23, 2026—apply promptly to join PAU’s mission-driven team.
Learn more: https://pau.edu.ng/vacancies
FELLOWSHIPS
2026 World Press Institute fellowship for International Journalists
[Deadline: February 15, 2026] World Press Institute (WPI) Fellowship Program 2026 invites experienced international journalists for a fully funded, nine-week immersion in U.S. media, culture, politics, and civic life, starting and ending in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, with travel to cities like New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco.
Program Highlights
Fellows engage with top U.S. media outlets, experts, and institutions through meetings, interviews, and reporting on social issues, while strengthening skills in journalism, analysis, and storytelling.
Only 10 spots available worldwide, emphasizing cross-cultural exchange and long-term alumni networking.
Eligibility Criteria
Non-U.S. citizens with at least five years of full-time experience in print, broadcast, online, photojournalism, or editorial roles. Submit three work samples (or equivalent), English proficiency, résumé, and references—no U.S. passport holders or recent U.S. residents qualify.
Key Dates
Applications opened December 1, 2025, and close February 15, 2026 (23:59 U.S. Central Time); fellows announced in May 2026; program runs August-November 2026. Apply via the official WPI site with all materials.
https://worldpressinstitute.org/fellowships/
Knight-Bagehot Fellowship in Economics and Business Journalism
[Deadline: January 31, 2026] Columbia Journalism School’s Knight-Bagehot Fellowship in Economics and Business Journalism offers mid-career journalists a fully funded year of intensive study in business, economics, finance, and technology at Columbia University.
Program Overview
Up to 10 fellows engage in MBA-level courses at Columbia Business School, attend off-the-record seminars with executives, and access lectures by top journalists. The nine-month program includes full tuition, health insurance, subsidized housing, and a $7,800 monthly stipend.
Eligibility Requirements
Requires 4+ years of business/economics/finance journalism experience, a bachelor’s degree, and English proficiency. Open worldwide to print, broadcast, digital, or freelance journalists; no U.S. employer approval needed, but no concurrent work allowed.
Application Details
Submit résumé, 1,000-word autobiographical essay, 500-word “Why Knight-Bagehot” essay, 5 work samples, transcripts, $100 fee, and 3 references by January 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET). Winners announced mid-April 2026; info sessions held in December 2025–January 2026.
Learn more and Apply Here: https://journalism.columbia.edu/knight-bagehot
One World Media Awards 2026: Spotlight on Global South Stories
[Deadline: February 9, 2026] One World Media Awards celebrate bold journalism and filmmaking from or about the Global South, recognizing work that amplifies underreported voices, challenges stereotypes, and drives impact across 13 categories.
Key Categories
Environmental Reporting highlights human-planet stories like climate justice or wildlife; Journalist of the Year honours Global South creators; News, Print, Podcast & Radio, Refugee Reporting, Short/Feature Documentaries cover timely exclusives and narratives. New: News Content Creators for social media excellence; Press Freedom (free, organizations only) and Student Award (waived fees for Global South students).
Eligibility Rules
Entries from Feb 7, 2025–Feb 6, 2026, focus on low/middle-income countries (Africa, Latin America, Asia excl. Israel/Japan/S. Korea, etc.) or indigenous issues; open worldwide if UK-published, English-accessible, or festival-screened. Judged on originality, accuracy, diversity, impact, and quality.
Timeline and Fees
Open Jan 12, close Feb 9, 2026 (17:00 GMT+1); longlist April, shortlist May, ceremony June. Fees: £165 orgs, £50 staffed, £40 freelancers, £25 students (waived Global South); discounts available.
Learn more and Apply here: https://oneworldmedia.org.uk/awards/find-out-more/#1767892484902-797b93fd-cd76
SCHOLARSHIPS
DW Akademie International Media Studies Master’s 2026: Fully Funded Media Training in Germany
[Deadline: March 15, 2026] DW Akademie offers a four-semester English-language Master’s in International Media Studies (IMS) in Bonn, partnering with the University of Bonn and Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, for media professionals worldwide.
Program Focus
Blends media theory, digital journalism, development communication, and management to prepare graduates for leadership in journalism, media development, and global communications—ideal for those with practical experience.
Eligibility Criteria
Requires a bachelor’s degree, one year of post-degree media experience (journalism, communications, or management), and English proficiency; targets developing/transition country professionals with DAAD scholarships covering tuition (€6,000).
Application Timeline
Opened November 15, 2025; deadline March 15, 2026—submit via Apollo platform with CV, motivation letter, and references for September 2026 start.
Learn more: https://akademie.dw.com/en/international-media-studies-applications/a-3766411
[NEWS] PRESS RELEASE
CCIJ Launches ElectionWatch: AI Tool to Combat Election Misinformation
The Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ) has unveiled ElectionWatch, an AI-powered platform designed to empower journalists, researchers, and civic groups in detecting election-related misinformation on social media.
Funded by Google’s Journalism AI Challenge, the tool analyzes narratives, maps actors and networks, and supports collaborative workflows for real-time fact-checking and accountability reporting.
Core Features
ElectionWatch enables rapid pattern recognition in disinformation during election cycles, drawing from CCIJ’s Nigeria 2023 presidential election probe where manual data sifting proved overwhelming.
It emphasizes ethical AI without hallucinations, offering timelines, actor mapping, and integration into newsroom processes, particularly for Global South outlets.
Strategic Rollout
CCIJ Executive Director Jeff Kelly Lowenstein highlights its role in bolstering public trust amid disinformation surges, while Product Manager Nelly Kalu notes its newsroom-fit design for speed and ethics.
CCIJ plans to roll out ElectionWatch through a series of virtual demonstrations, newsroom training, and partnerships with journalism and civic technology organizations.
To request a demo; email info@ccij.io