MSF Eastern Africa Media Fellowship Programme 2026 for East African Journalists

 

MSF Eastern Africa Media Fellowship Programme 

Applications are open for the 2026 Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Eastern Africa Media Fellowship Programme, a funded opportunity for East African journalists covering humanitarian and health issues. Launched in 2024, the fellowship equips journalists with specialised training, resources and unique access to MSF field operations, enabling them to produce high-quality, nuanced reporting on underreported crises such as conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks and malnutrition. Successful applicants attend a full-day workshop led by a respected media professional, then submit story pitches; those selected receive support to report humanitarian stories from the region. Applicants need at least three years of experience, a reference letter from their editor, links to three recently published stories, and affiliation with a media organisation or freelance accreditation. Benefits include professional training, coverage of project-visit costs, and access to MSF experts and projects.

Overview

Item	Detail
Programme	MSF Eastern Africa Media Fellowship 2026
Organiser	Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Launched	2024
Who	Journalists based and publishing in Eastern Africa
Focus	Humanitarian and health reporting
Funding	Training + project-visit costs + MSF access
Deadline	September 8, 2027

About the Fellowship

The MSF Eastern Africa Media Fellowship Programme supports and empowers journalists to tell compelling, impactful stories about the humanitarian issues MSF responds to across Eastern Africa. By combining specialised training with direct access to MSF's field operations and medical expertise, the programme aims to deepen the quality of reporting on crises that are often overlooked, from conflict and displacement to infectious disease outbreaks and malnutrition. It acts as a bridge between the humanitarian sector and the media, building a network of well-informed journalists who can bring visibility to emergencies.

How the Programme Works

Selected applicants are invited to a full-day workshop facilitated by a respected media professional. After the workshop, participants submit story pitches based on their areas of interest. Journalists whose pitches are chosen then receive support to report their humanitarian stories from the region.

Eligibility

Applicants must be journalists based and publishing in the region, with a minimum of three years of work experience and a reference letter from the relevant editor. Each candidate must submit a letter showing interest in one of the thematic tracks, along with links to three recently published stories; journalists reporting outside their home country must explain how the story is relevant to their audience. Applicants need to be affiliated with a media organisation, or, if freelance, accredited by the relevant regulator with proof of accreditation. Finally, applicants must commit to travelling for content collection and to publishing within the fellowship's timelines.

Benefits

Fellows gain a first-hand view of humanitarian and health interventions in the region. The fellowship provides training from media and communication professionals on covering humanitarian stories, covers the costs of project visits, and gives access to relevant experts and MSF projects to support each story.

Other Opportunities for Africans

Journalists and professionals exploring further options can also look at the ARCGSSP Scholarship Programme for Africans for those pursuing further studies, the AFLI Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship for emerging African leaders, and the Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women Fellowship for lawyers advancing women's rights across Africa.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the official MSF Eastern Africa Media Fellowship webpage: https://msf.or.ke/msf-eastern-africa-media-fellowship-2026. The application deadline is September 8, 2027.