INMA Africa Emerging Leaders Programme 2025
- Omran Aburayya
- Sep 19
- 3 min read
If you are a media professional in Africa under 35, working below senior management level, and you aspire to leadership in news media—especially in a digital-first age—then the INMA Africa Emerging Leaders Programme is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. The applications are now open, and this is the inaugural class (2025). It aims to identify, train, and recognise emerging media leaders across the continent with the skills, exposure, and network needed for the future of journalism. Details in this article.
📹 Programme Summary
Delivery Mode: (virtual / online)
Programme Owner: INMA (International News Media Association), through its Africa Emerging Leaders programme under the Elevate Africa Initiative.
Training Type: Professional / leadership training targeted at mid-career news media professionals below senior management.
Target Group: News media professionals in Africa, under age 35, not in senior management, not part-owners, full-time based in Africa.
Fields of Focus: Journalism, news media business, digital transformation, media leadership, audience development, etc. More broadly “the business of news.”
Value / Coverage:
Free access (no application fee).
Access to 3 INMA virtual global master classes.
Virtual modules + recordings.
One-year individual membership with INMA.
Certification upon completion.
Social badge.
Alumni network membership (African Emerging Leaders alumni) and peer cohort recognition.
Duration: The structure is over some months (virtual modules / master classes leading up to the announcement of class in December).
Application Deadline: October 3, 2025 (11:59 p.m. in your time zone)
Start Date / Announcement: Selected participants will be announced December 4, 2025.
🌐 Programme Overview
The INMA Africa Emerging Leaders Programme is part of INMA’s wider Elevate Africa Initiative 2025, which aims to:
Provide regional training via topical summits (newsroom transformation; revenue; product & tech; audience development)
Offer virtual training modules, mentorship, peer networks, and global master classes to budding media leaders.
Recognise and reward emerging leaders in news media who are not yet at senior management.
🧩 Structure & Activities
Virtual masterclasses: Participants will join three INMA global virtual master classes. These are sessions led by experts, likely focused on high-impact topics in media leadership and business.
Virtual modules & recordings: These modules may cover the business of news, leadership in digital news, transformation, etc. Recordings are provided, which allow flexibility.
Peer networking: Introductions to the rest of the 2025 class, alumni connections.
Recognition and certification: On completion of required modules / classes, selected participants receive certification and a social badge.
🎁 Benefits of the Programme
No cost to apply – free application, no fee.
Access to high-quality global training (masterclasses + modules) that build leadership, innovation, business understanding in the news media sector.
Networking with peers (other emerging media professionals across Africa) and with experts.
Certification and public recognition (social badge, membership, alumni status) that can strengthen CV / profile.
A year’s membership with INMA, giving access to resources, best practices, reports, and community.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, you must:
Be employed by a news media organisation in Africa.
Be below age 35.
Be below senior management level.
Work full-time based in Africa.
Not be part of ownership of the media organisation.
Have strong interest / aspiration: want to learn more about the business of news, aim to become a future media leader.
📝 Application Procedure
Either apply directly as a candidate, or nominate a colleague. The applicant or nominee must fill the application form.
Deadline: October 3, 2025, 11:59 p.m. in your time zone.
Announcement of Selected Class: December 4, 2025.
💡 Extra Information & Tips
Time Commitment & Flexibility: Because many activities are virtual or recorded, there will likely be flexibility. Still, attending live master classes may require scheduling adjustment.
Internet / Connectivity: Virtual programmes depend on stable internet / access to platforms.
Prepare to Demonstrate Impact & Vision: In your application, highlighting what you have done or plan to do in news media, especially in digital transformation, audience growth, or sustainability, will strengthen your case.
Peer Learning Matters: Beyond formal content, networking with fellow class members is a big benefit.
