Kwame Karikari Fact-Checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026: Apply Now for West African Journalists

Applications are now open for the Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026 for journalists. This program comes from DUBAWA and the Digital Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Information Disorder Analysis Centre (DAIDAC). The deadline is April 4, 2026. It targets full-time journalists from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or The Gambia. Over three months, fellows will gain fact-checking skills and hands-on training with open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools. The goal is to fight information disorder in West Africa. This article covers eligibility requirements, key benefits, and how to apply. Published March 26, 2026, for informational purposes only.

This fellowship stands out as more than basic training. It offers a three-month intensive program. You will learn cutting-edge fact-checking skills. Fellows get hands-on practice with OSINT tools. Mentorship comes from experts at DUBAWA and DAIDAC. These groups lead in research, verification, and fact-checking across Africa. The program helps journalists become beacons of truth in their communities. It tackles misinformation head-on in West Africa.

Key Takeaways

• Full-time journalists from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or The Gambia can apply if they have management support and a passion for fact-checking.
• Fellows receive three months of intensive OSINT training, mentorship from DUBAWA and DAIDAC, and help to publish their work.
• Benefits include newsroom capacity building, regional networking, and visibility on multiple platforms.
• Women, journalists with disabilities, and those in climate or conflict reporting are strongly encouraged to apply before the April 4, 2026 deadline.

Here are the eligibility requirements:

1. Full-time journalists from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or The Gambia.
2. Fact-checkers or investigative journalists who are ready to take their skills to the next level.
3. Past fellows of the Kwame Karikari fellowship with an avid interest in OSINT investigations.
4. Exceptional writers with a passion for truth.
5. Individuals who are eager to learn and grow in the field of fact-checking.
6. Journalists committed to dedicating time to the fellowship and its activities.
7. Those with management buy-in to support and publish fact-checks.
8. Female journalists and journalists with disabilities (PWDs) are strongly encouraged to apply.
9. Journalists with expertise in climate and conflict reporting are also welcome.

The fellowship provides strong benefits for participants:

1. Practical OSINT training: Fellows receive intensive, hands-on coaching in fact-checking using open-source intelligence. Guidance and mentorship come from the DUBAWA and DAIDAC teams. You master current tools and verification techniques.

2. Real-world impact: Your reports get published on your media platform and DUBAWA channels. This expands your reach. It helps tackle misinformation in a meaningful way.

3. Newsroom capacity building: Gain support to set up a fact-checking desk in your newsroom. Strengthen internal verification systems too.

4. Regional professional network: Join a community of journalists focused on accuracy. Collaborate with peers across West Africa.

5. Multi-platform visibility: Lead fact-checking talks on social media, radio, and television. Promote media literacy to your audience.

To apply, visit the official Google Form. Act fast, as the deadline is April 4, 2026. Follow Opportunities for Africans for any updates.

Application Deadline: April 4, 2026
Apply Now

The program focuses on West African countries like Nigeria and Ghana. It encourages women and journalists with disabilities to apply. Underrepresented groups in climate or conflict reporting are welcome too. Check the official page for updates on selection or support details, as specifics may vary.

For more opportunities, consider these similar fellowships:

• TWAS-CSIR Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2025 for young scientists from developing countries (December 18, 2024).
• African Investigative Journalism Conference Fellowships 2022 for African journalists (fully funded, July 11, 2022).
• Akili Dada Fellowships 2017 for young African women leaders (November 1, 2016).
• Future Food Fellowship 2021 for postdoctoral researchers (December 28, 2020).
• Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) PhD Fellowships (August 7, 2025).

The Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026 offers journalists from West Africa a chance to build vital skills against misinformation. With hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world impact, it’s a key step for dedicated professionals. Apply by April 4, 2026, via the official Google Form to join this transformative program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Kwame Karikari Fellowship 2026?

Full-time journalists from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or The Gambia, especially fact-checkers, investigative reporters, women, and those with disabilities.

What skills will fellows learn?

Participants gain hands-on fact-checking and OSINT tool training, plus mentorship from DUBAWA and DAIDAC experts.

What are the benefits of the fellowship?

Fellows get published reports, newsroom support, networking, and multi-platform visibility to fight misinformation.

How do I apply and when is the deadline?

Submit via the official Google Form; the deadline is April 4, 2026.