The International News Media Association (INMA), said to be the world’s leading provider of global best practices for news media companies looking to grow revenue, audience, and brand amid profound market change, has announced the launch of its Africa Elevate Scholarship programme, and is inviting young media professionals across the continent to participate in a development initiative designed to expand careers in modern news media.
The Africa Elevate Scholarship is designed for media practitioners under 35 years old, with less than five years’ experience, currently employed by a news media company in Africa and seeking enhanced on-the-job training and education. The class will be capped at 50 applicants, and there is no application fee.
Targeting emerging talents working within African news organisations, the programme will bring together selected participants for a series of virtual modules focused on navigating the corridors of power, understanding the business of media, and learning practical tools for artificial intelligence applications in the newsroom.
The initiative aims to accelerate careers and foster a supportive community through structured mentorship and professional development. Participants will gain insight into the realities of building a media career, expand their networks across Africa, and enhance their résumés through participation and certification.
Benefits for media professionals include registration to two global master classes (Subscriber Retention, Newsrooms and AI, Subscriber Acquisition, Product and Tech, Digital Advertising, Young Audiences). They will also benefit from two Africa- and mentorship-focused virtual modules: Understanding the business of media and Navigating the corridors of power in media. Additionally, they will have access to livestream virtual modules and recordings, access to private WhatsApp group for peer communications, recognition of participant’s selection to the programme, Certification after verified completion of two mentoring sessions and two master classes, and one year of INMA individual membership.
For media organisations, the programme offers a pathway to identify and retain high-potential professionals, while positioning younger staff members on stronger career trajectories within the industry.
Important dates include the April 17, 2026, application deadline, while the selected participants will be announced on May 28, 2026. The mentorship modules are scheduled for August 13 – “Navigating the corridors of power in media”; and September 17, “Understanding the business of media”, with multiple master classes offered from June 2026 through April 2027.
Prospective applicants or nominating organisations are encouraged to apply before the deadline. For enquiries, contact Doreen Mbaya, INMA Africa Manager, based in Nairobi, Kenya, on +254721541025.
For more information, please visit: https://www.inma.org/Initiatives/Africa-Elevate-Scholarships/index.html.
