MSF Eastern Africa Media Fellowship Programme 2026
The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Eastern Africa Media Fellowship Programme 2026 is inviting applications from journalists based and publishing in Eastern Africa who are interested in covering humanitarian and health issues affecting communities across the region.
Launched in 2024, the fellowship is designed to support journalists with specialised training, resources and access to MSF projects and medical expertise. The programme aims to help fellows produce high-quality, nuanced stories that bring greater attention to underreported humanitarian and health challenges.
Application Deadline
8 September 2027
Eligible journalists are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
About the MSF Eastern Africa Media Fellowship
The fellowship provides an opportunity for journalists to deepen their understanding of humanitarian issues and strengthen their ability to report on complex health and humanitarian emergencies.
Through specialised training and access to MSF field operations, fellows can develop stories covering issues such as:
- Conflict and displacement
- Infectious disease outbreaks
- Malnutrition
- Access to healthcare
- Humanitarian emergencies
- Other critical health challenges affecting communities in Eastern Africa
The programme also seeks to strengthen collaboration between humanitarian organisations and the media by creating a network of journalists with greater knowledge and experience in reporting on humanitarian issues.
Fellowship Programme Details
The fellowship consists of several stages designed to help journalists develop and produce impactful stories.
Full-Day Journalism Workshop
Successful applicants will be invited to participate in a full-day workshop facilitated by an experienced media professional.
The workshop will provide participants with guidance and skills relevant to covering humanitarian stories.
Story Pitches
Following the workshop, participating journalists will be required to submit story pitches based on their interests and the programme’s thematic areas.
Story Development and Reporting
Journalists whose pitches are selected will receive support to report on humanitarian stories from the region.
Selected fellows will have access to relevant MSF resources, experts and projects to support the development of their stories.
Eligibility Requirements
The fellowship is open to journalists who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be journalists based and publishing in Eastern Africa, subject to the programme’s specified country eligibility.
- Have at least three years of professional work experience.
- Provide a reference letter from the relevant editor.
- Submit a letter demonstrating their interest in one or more of the fellowship’s thematic tracks.
- Provide links to three recently published stories.
- Be affiliated with a media organisation or, if working as a freelancer, be accredited by the relevant regulator and provide proof of accreditation or affiliation.
- Be willing to travel for content collection.
- Commit to publishing their stories within the fellowship timelines.
Additional Requirement for Journalists Reporting Outside Their Home Country
Journalists reporting outside their home country, including applicants reporting from South Sudan, should demonstrate how their proposed story is relevant to their intended audience.
Fellowship Benefits
The MSF Eastern Africa Media Fellowship provides journalists with opportunities to gain practical experience reporting on humanitarian and health issues across the region.
Successful fellows will receive:
Professional Training
Training from media and communication professionals on how to effectively cover humanitarian stories and complex health issues.
Project Visit Support
MSF will cover the costs associated with approved project visits required for the fellowship’s reporting activities.
Access to Experts and MSF Projects
Fellows will receive access to relevant experts and MSF projects to support their reporting and story development.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is suited to journalists who are committed to covering humanitarian and health issues in Eastern Africa and who want to develop well-researched stories about challenges that may receive limited media attention.
Applicants should have relevant professional experience, a demonstrated interest in humanitarian reporting and the ability to develop compelling story ideas for their audiences.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 8 September 2027.
Applicants should ensure that all required documents, references and examples of published work are submitted before the deadline.
Important Information
Applicants should carefully review the official MSF fellowship information for the specific countries covered, thematic tracks, application requirements and submission instructions before applying.