The African Union Commission (AUC) has announced the 22 Fellows selected for Cohort 3.0 of the African Union Media Fellowship (AUMF). The programme aims to strengthen African storytelling and promote development-focused journalism across the continent.
The African Union Information and Communication Directorate (ICD) leads the fellowship. It brings together journalists and content creators from 18 African countries. The programme helps amplify African voices and deepen public understanding of the continent’s policies and development priorities.
African media plays a key role in raising awareness about the work of the African Union. Journalists use people-centred storytelling to connect institutions with communities. They also encourage citizen and diaspora engagement. In addition, they promote accountability and public dialogue in line with the vision of Agenda 2063.
The new cohort includes media professionals from across the continent. Among them are Abdillah Kemba (Comoros), Bongekile Filana (South Africa), Cynthia Areh (Nigeria), Isatou Keita (Gambia), Justina Matandiko (Zambia), Lourdes Walusala (Kenya), Mapule Motsopa (Lesotho), Michael Dewornu (Ghana), Salome Gregory (Tanzania), Tawanda Forgive Dube (Zimbabwe), Tina Mehnpaine (Liberia) and Zodidi Mhlana (South Africa), among others.
According to Wynne Musabayana, Head of the Communication Division at the AUC, the Commission selected the Fellows from more than 100,000 applicants. This strong interest highlights the growing commitment to shaping Africa’s narrative through professional journalism.
During the 16-month programme, Fellows will receive mentorship and professional training. They will also collaborate with leading media professionals across borders. In addition, the fellowship introduces a Public Health Track in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to strengthen reporting on health issues across the continent.
The fellowship receives support from partners such as GIZ and the European Union. Together, they support stronger African-led narratives and media collaboration in line with Agenda 2063.
Through this initiative, the AUC continues to support journalists who promote informed public discourse and tell Africa’s development story with clarity and impact.