Applications are now open for the Southern-African Journalists Fellowship Programme 2026 (3,500 Euro stipend)

Ednah Carrick November 7, 2025

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Closing Date: 15 January 2026

Applications are now open for the Southern-African Journalists Fellowship Programme 2026 (3,500 Euro stipend)

Overview

Once a year, journalists from Southern Africa and Germany have the opportunity for a work exchange at a media outlet of their choice, producing content for their home newsroom. The objective of the exchange programme is to highlight issues in Southern Africa, while giving journalists from the region a platform in German media.

The Southern African-German Journalists’ Programme is a multiyear effort to foster a deeper understanding between Germany and Africa as a whole. It has been offered in response to concerns about an increasing political and cultural detachment between Africa and Europe. The bursary is intended to enable young journalists to gain valuable insights into the political, economical, cultural and social fabric of the host country.

The bursary is named in honour of former Federal President Horst Köhler, whose exemplary dedication to German-African relations has left a lasting impact. President Horst Köhler was a passionate advocate for Africa, both during his time in office and beyond, championing a cultural shift in Africa policy that acknowledged historical transformations and the continent’s global significance. IJP is grateful that this programme bears his name in recognition of his legacy.

The Southern-African Journalists Fellowship Programme Description

Every year the International Journalists‘ Programmes (IJP) offer a bursary to up to six young Southern African (SADC‐Member States: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe + Kenya) and up to five young German journalists.

For two months the Southern African delegates will have the chance to work in Germany. They will be integrated into the day‐to‐day journalism of their host newsroom while also researching stories for their home media. It is assumed that all candidates have a strong command of the English language. German language abilities are an advantage but are not mandatory. The Southern African Bursary is a multiyear effort to shape an integrated understanding of the other country and region and to foster relations between Africa and Germany. The Southern African bursary is intended to enable young journalists to gain valuable insights into the political, economic, cultural as well as the social fabric of the host country.

The Southern African-German Journalists’ Programme starts with an introductory conference for all delegates in Berlin. This will allow the participants from Southern Africa to familiarize themselves with the host country.

Mode of payment

The Southern African delegates receive a fixed payment of 3,500 Euro. This is expected to cover most of their travel, accommodation and living expenses. No further payments will be made: delegates are expected to use their own funds for any further costs. Payment for their work with the host media is not envisaged.

Application Process

All journalists from Southern Africa (SADC Member States + Kenya) between the age of 25 and 40, who regularly work for a media organisation, can apply.

Enclose a CV with a passport photograph
Write an 800-word essay addressing the following topics:
o Why would you like to work in Germany?
o What are the three research topics you want to pursue during the Southern-African Journalists Fellowship?
o What role do you expect to play at your home media in the future?
o How will you spend the bursary?
Include a one‐page resume detailing your education and work experience, your standard of German and English (copies of certificates/ e.g. Goethe Institute/TOEFL), plus two copies of articles written by you (TV and radio journalists should submit manuscripts or links, since no audio or video tapes can be considered)
A journalistic reference from your editor or head of department is required (freelancers should submit a reference from a senior journalist). It should also guarantee your leave of absence for the duration of the programme.
Applicants are asked to send their application documents (only by email) from November 1st, 2025 until January 15th, 2026 to the following email address: [email protected]