Africa Investigative Journalism Lab 2026: Fully Supported Advanced Investigative Journalism Training in Kenya Now Open ·Unknown

Africa Investigative Journalism Lab 2026

Journalists committed to public-interest reporting now have an opportunity to strengthen their investigative skills through the Africa Investigative Journalism Lab 2026, an intensive residential training programme organised by Africa Uncensored in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Regional Media Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Scheduled to take place in Mombasa, Kenya, from 4–8 November 2026, the one-week advanced training will bring together practising journalists from across East Africa and the wider African continent for immersive learning, mentorship, and collaboration.

Applications close on 15 August 2026.

About the Africa Investigative Journalism Lab

The Africa Investigative Journalism Lab is an advanced training programme designed to strengthen investigative reporting across Africa by equipping journalists with practical tools, mentorship, and editorial support.

Participants will work alongside experienced investigative reporters, editors, and digital forensics specialists while developing real investigative projects. The programme combines practical workshops with hands-on mentoring to help journalists produce impactful, evidence-based stories that advance transparency and accountability.

Hosted in a fully residential format, the training provides an opportunity to build lasting professional networks with investigative journalists from across the region.

Training Overview

Training Dates: 4–8 November 2026
Location: Mombasa, Kenya
Training Format: One-week residential programme
Level: Advanced (Mid-career and Senior Journalists)

Throughout the programme, participants will receive practical instruction on every stage of the investigative reporting process—from developing story ideas to verifying evidence, protecting sources, and navigating legal and ethical challenges.

Training Objectives

The programme aims to help participants:

• Strengthen investigative reporting techniques and methodologies.
• Develop high-impact investigative story ideas.
• Gain practical experience in data journalism and evidence-based reporting.
• Learn how to use Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and digital verification tools.
• Improve knowledge of journalist safety, legal protections, and ethical reporting.
• Build a regional network of investigative journalists committed to accountability journalism.
• Develop at least one publishable investigative story before completing the training.

The curriculum is designed to equip journalists with practical skills they can immediately apply in their reporting.

What Participants Will Learn

During the training, participants will receive hands-on instruction in several specialist areas, including:

• Investigative reporting techniques
• Data journalism
• Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
• Digital verification tools
• Source protection and security
• Legal frameworks affecting investigative journalism
• Ethical reporting practices
• Story development and editorial refinement

Participants will also receive one-on-one mentorship to strengthen their investigative projects.

Who Should Apply?

The Africa Investigative Journalism Lab is intended for experienced journalists who are already engaged in public-interest reporting.

Eligible applicants include:

• Mid-career and senior journalists with at least three years of active reporting experience
• Journalists with experience or demonstrated interest in investigative and accountability journalism
• Staff reporters
• Freelance journalists
• Editors
• Multimedia journalists
• Professionals working in print, broadcast, and digital media

Applications are encouraged from journalists based in:

• Kenya
• Uganda
• Tanzania
• Rwanda
• Ethiopia
• Somalia
• Other African countries

The organisers particularly encourage women journalists to apply.

Benefits of the Programme

Selected participants will receive comprehensive support throughout the training.

Benefits include:

• Mentorship from experienced investigative journalists and editors
• Editorial guidance on investigative story development
• Training materials and digital investigative tools
• Full residential accommodation in Mombasa during the programme
• Return travel support for participants travelling from outside Mombasa
• Certificate of participation upon successful completion

The programme offers both technical training and opportunities to build long-term professional relationships across Africa’s investigative journalism community.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated journalism experience
• Quality of published work
• Strength and feasibility of the proposed investigative story
• Motivation and commitment to accountability journalism
• Geographic diversity
• Gender balance

Applicants should demonstrate a clear commitment to producing journalism that serves the public interest.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

• Completed application form
• Current CV or résumé (maximum three pages)
• Investigative story pitch of 300–500 words, outlining:
  • The issue to be investigated
  • Public interest significance
  • Potential sources
• Three samples of published investigative or accountability journalism (links or PDF copies)
• Letter of support:
  • From an editor or media organisation (staff journalists)
  • Or from a commissioning editor, media partner, or professional referee (freelance journalists)

Preparing a strong investigative pitch will be an important part of the selection process.

About the Organisers

Africa Uncensored is an independent investigative journalism organisation based in Nairobi, Kenya. It produces in-depth reporting on governance, corruption, human rights, democracy, and accountability across Africa while supporting the development of investigative journalism on the continent.

The programme is delivered in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Regional Media Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa, which promotes democracy, media freedom, the rule of law, and quality journalism across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Together, the two organisations aim to strengthen investigative journalism by equipping reporters with practical skills, professional mentorship, and regional collaboration opportunities.

Why You Should Apply

For journalists seeking to deepen their investigative reporting skills, the Africa Investigative Journalism Lab offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from experienced investigative practitioners while working on real stories.

Participants will leave the programme with stronger reporting skills, improved digital investigation techniques, expanded professional networks, and a well-developed investigative story ready for publication.

With full accommodation, travel support, and expert mentorship provided, the programme is an excellent opportunity for journalists committed to advancing accountability and public-interest journalism across Africa.

Application Deadline: 15 August 2026
Training Dates: 4–8 November 2026
Location: Mombasa, Kenya

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organisation offering this opportunity. For applications and enquiries, please contact the organisers directly. Please do not send applications or CVs to GSO.

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