West Africa Solutions Journalism Fellowship 2025

Omran Aburayya
May 27
2 min read

If you're a health journalist based in West Africa and passionate about shifting narratives from problems to solutions, the West Africa Solutions Journalism Fellowship 2025 offers a unique opportunity to enhance your reporting skills. This four-month hybrid program, organized by Nigeria Health Watch, aims to strengthen the practice of solutions-oriented health reporting in the region. Selected fellows will receive expert mentorship, training, and editorial support to produce compelling, evidence-based stories that drive conversations and inspire change.

📝 Fellowship Summary

Location: West Africa (Hybrid: virtual and in-person components)
Host Institution: Nigeria Health Watch
Fellowship Type: Professional development for journalists
Target Group: Health journalists residing in West African countries
Fields of Focus: Health reporting, solutions journalism, global health, development
Coverage: Grant to cover logistics and time for story development
Duration: 4 months (July to October 2025)
Application Deadline: May 30, 2025
Start Date: July 2025
Eligible To: Journalists with at least three years of experience (exceptional early-career applicants may be considered)

📚 Fellowship Overview

The West Africa Solutions Journalism Fellowship 2025 is designed to empower journalists to tell compelling, evidence-based stories of impact. The program includes:

Capacity-Building Workshops: Learn from leading experts in global health, journalism, and development.
Mentorship and Editorial Support: Receive hands-on guidance from experienced editors and storytellers.
Story Development: Publish in-depth health stories showcasing impactful, evidence-based solutions.
Peer Learning: Connect with a cohort of like-minded journalists from across the region.
Funding Support: Fellows will receive a grant to cover their logistics and time to work on their stories.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Training: Enhance your skills in solutions journalism and health reporting.
Mentorship: Benefit from expert guidance throughout the fellowship.
Networking: Join a regional network of skilled solutions-focused storytellers.
Publication Opportunities: Develop and publish in-depth health stories that showcase impactful, evidence-based solutions.
Financial Support: Receive a grant to cover logistics and time for story development.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Reside in a West African country.
Have robust storytelling, investigative, and research skills.
Possess at least three years of journalism experience (exceptional early-career applicants may be considered).
Be affiliated with a media house (radio, television, or online). Freelancers can apply but must provide a letter of support from a reputable platform willing to publish/broadcast their stories.
Be proficient in English, as the fellowship is conducted in English.
Commit fully to the fellowship’s workshops, mentorship sessions, and editorial deadlines.
Be new to the Solutions Journalism Africa Initiative (SJAI).

📝 Application Procedure

Application Steps:

Complete the Application Form: Provide personal information, professional background, and motivation for joining the fellowship.
Submit a Letter of Commitment: Obtain a letter from your affiliated media house confirming support for your participation. Freelancers should provide a letter of support from a reputable platform willing to publish/broadcast their stories.
Demonstrate Experience: Include samples of previous work that showcase your storytelling, investigative, and research skills.