Africa Extractives Media Fellowship 2026 for Ghanaian Journalists | Applications Open for Cohort II

Applications are now officially open for the second cohort of the Africa Extractives Media Fellowship (AEMF), an intensive six-month journalism capacity-building programme designed to strengthen extractives-sector reporting in Africa.

Organized by NewsWire Africa, the fellowship is aimed at empowering Ghanaian journalists with advanced reporting skills, investigative techniques, data journalism expertise, and in-depth knowledge of Africa’s extractive industries.

The fellowship addresses critical reporting gaps across sectors such as mining, oil and gas, climate transition, critical minerals, environmental governance, and revenue accountability.

Aspiring and practicing journalists in Ghana who are passionate about impactful storytelling, public accountability, and investigative reporting are encouraged to apply for this prestigious programme.

About the Africa Extractives Media Fellowship (AEMF)

The Africa Extractives Media Fellowship is a specialized journalism programme established by NewsWire Africa to improve the quality, depth, and impact of extractives-sector reporting across the African continent.

Africa’s extractive industries continue to shape economies, governance systems, environmental policies, and community livelihoods. However, reporting on these sectors often lacks technical depth, investigative rigor, and sustained public-interest focus.

The AEMF was created to bridge this gap by equipping journalists with:

• Specialized extractives-sector knowledge
• Data-driven reporting skills
• Investigative journalism techniques
• Ethical reporting practices
• Understanding of climate and environmental issues
• Policy and governance reporting expertise

The programme combines practical learning, mentorship, industry engagement, and hands-on reporting experiences to strengthen journalism that drives accountability and informed public discourse.

Programme Duration and Structure

The fellowship is a:

Six-Month In-Person Journalism Fellowship

Participants selected for Cohort II will undergo intensive training, mentorship, reporting assignments, and collaborative learning activities focused on Africa’s extractive sectors.

The programme creates opportunities for fellows to engage directly with:

• Industry leaders
• Policymakers
• Civil society organizations
• Academic experts
• Environmental advocates
• Governance institutions

Key Areas of Focus

The fellowship covers several important themes within the extractives industry.

Major Focus Areas Include:

1. Mining, Oil and Gas, and Green Minerals

Participants will gain deeper understanding of:

• Resource extraction systems
• Energy industries
• Critical minerals
• Green transition resources
• Mining sector developments

2. Revenue Flows and Governance

Fellows will explore:

• Resource revenue management
• Public accountability
• Transparency systems
• Governance structures
• Economic policy implications

3. Environmental Justice and Community Impact

The programme also focuses on:

• Environmental protection
• Community displacement
• Ecological sustainability
• Social justice
• Local development challenges

4. Climate Transition and Critical Minerals

Participants will examine:

• Africa’s role in global energy transition
• Critical minerals demand
• Climate adaptation
• Sustainable resource governance

5. Ethical, Data-Driven, and Investigative Journalism

The fellowship strengthens participants’ abilities in:

• Investigative storytelling
• Fact-checking
• Data analysis
• Ethical journalism practices
• Evidence-based reporting

Why the Fellowship Matters

Africa’s extractive industries generate billions in revenue and influence major development decisions, yet many critical stories remain underreported.

This fellowship helps journalists build the expertise needed to investigate and explain complex issues such as:

• Mineral revenue distribution
• Corporate accountability
• Environmental degradation
• Illegal mining activities
• Climate-related resource transitions
• Community rights
• Public policy failures
• Investment and governance systems

By strengthening journalism in these areas, the fellowship contributes to greater transparency, accountability, and informed public engagement.

Fellowship Impact So Far

The inaugural Ghana Cohort (2025–2026) already demonstrated significant impact through high-quality reporting produced by fellows.

Published Impact Stories Included:

• Coverage of Ghana’s sliding-scale royalty framework
• Reports on investor concerns and industry responses
• Historical mineral revenue analysis
• Governance and accountability investigations

These stories were featured by major Ghanaian media outlets including:

• Citi Newsroom
• MyJoyOnline
• GhanaWeb
• The High Street Journal

Fellowship Partners and Institutional Support

The programme is supported by a strong network of national and international institutions, including:

• Australian High Commission
• Ghana Chamber of Mines
• University of Ghana Business School
• University of Mines and Technology
• Petroleum Hub Development Corporation
• CDD-Ghana
• Digital Earth Africa
• WANEP
• National Petroleum Authority
• Public Interest & Accountability Committee (PIAC)
• Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Ltd.
• Ayatickets

The inaugural cohort was launched at the residence of the Australian High Commissioner with participation from government officials, diplomats, industry leaders, academia, and civil society stakeholders.

Benefits of Joining the Fellowship

Selected fellows will benefit from a wide range of professional development opportunities.

Fellows Will Gain:

• Advanced investigative journalism skills
• Specialized extractives-sector knowledge
• Data journalism experience
• Networking opportunities
• Mentorship from experts
• Exposure to policy and governance discussions
• Access to industry stakeholders
• Portfolio-building opportunities
• Increased professional visibility

The fellowship also offers participants opportunities to produce impactful stories capable of shaping national conversations and influencing policy debates.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is primarily designed for:

Ghanaian Journalists

This includes journalists working in:

• Print media
• Online journalism
• Television
• Radio
• Multimedia storytelling
• Investigative reporting

Applicants interested in:

• Extractives reporting
• Environmental journalism
• Climate reporting
• Governance journalism
• Business and economic reporting

are strongly encouraged to apply.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Strong applicants are likely to demonstrate:

• Passion for public-interest journalism
• Interest in accountability reporting
• Curiosity about extractive industries
• Commitment to ethical journalism
• Willingness to participate fully in the six-month programme
• Strong storytelling ability
• Interest in climate and sustainability issues

Application Deadline

Applications for Cohort II close on:

Monday, 8 June 2026 at 23:59 GMT

Applicants are encouraged to submit early before the deadline.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply through the official AEMF Fellowship Portal.

Click Here for more and to apply

Why Journalists Should Apply

The Africa Extractives Media Fellowship offers a rare opportunity for Ghanaian journalists to gain highly specialized reporting expertise in one of Africa’s most important sectors.

The programme helps journalists:

• Strengthen investigative reporting skills
• Build expertise in extractives governance
• Produce impactful public-interest stories
• Connect with industry experts and policymakers
• Improve data and environmental reporting capacity
• Contribute to accountability and transparency in Africa’s resource sectors

For journalists passionate about uncovering impactful stories and shaping public conversations around natural resources, governance, and sustainability, the AEMF Fellowship represents a valuable career-building opportunity.

Click here for more global fellowship opportunities