Africa Extractives Media Fellowship: A Deep Dive for Ghanaian Journalists
The Africa Extractives Media Fellowship (AEMF) is a six-month journalism program designed to improve reporting on Africa’s vital extractive industries. Organized by NewsWire Africa, this intensive capacity-building initiative aims to equip Ghanaian journalists with advanced skills in investigative techniques, data journalism, and a deep understanding of sectors like mining, oil and gas, and climate transition. By addressing critical reporting gaps, the fellowship seeks to foster greater accountability and informed public discourse surrounding these crucial economic sectors.
About the Africa Extractives Media Fellowship
The AEMF was established by NewsWire Africa to elevate the quality and depth of journalism covering Africa’s extractive industries. These industries are central to the continent’s economies and governance, yet reporting often lacks the necessary technical detail and investigative rigor. The fellowship bridges this gap by providing specialized knowledge, data-driven reporting skills, and investigative journalism techniques. It also emphasizes ethical practices and an understanding of environmental and climate issues, all within a framework that encourages hands-on experience and engagement with industry leaders, policymakers, and civil society.
Programme Duration and Structure
This is a six-month in-person journalism fellowship. Participants in Cohort II will engage in intensive training, receive mentorship, undertake reporting assignments, and participate in collaborative learning activities. The program is structured to offer direct interaction with a wide range of stakeholders. These include industry leaders, policymakers, civil society organizations, academic experts, environmental advocates, and governance institutions. This immersive approach ensures fellows gain practical insights and build valuable professional connections.
Key Areas of Focus
The fellowship covers several critical themes within the extractive sector, providing a well-rounded education for journalists.
Major Focus Areas Include:
1. Mining, Oil and Gas, and Green Minerals
Participants will gain a thorough understanding of resource extraction systems, energy industries, and the growing importance of critical minerals and green transition resources. This includes staying updated on the latest developments within the mining sector.
2. Revenue Flows and Governance
The program delves into resource revenue management, public accountability, and transparency systems. Fellows will explore governance structures and the broader economic policy implications of resource extraction.
3. Environmental Justice and Community Impact
A significant focus is placed on environmental protection, community displacement, and ecological sustainability. Participants will also examine social justice issues and the local development challenges that arise from extractive activities.
4. Climate Transition and Critical Minerals
The fellowship examines Africa’s role in the global energy transition, the increasing demand for critical minerals, and strategies for climate adaptation. It also covers sustainable resource governance in the context of these global shifts.
5. Ethical, Data-Driven, and Investigative Journalism
The program strengthens participants’ abilities in investigative storytelling, fact-checking, and data analysis. It also reinforces ethical journalism practices and the importance of evidence-based reporting.
Why the Fellowship Matters
Africa’s extractive industries generate substantial revenue and influence major development decisions. However, many important stories within these sectors remain underreported. The AEMF equips journalists with the expertise needed to investigate and explain complex issues such as mineral revenue distribution, corporate accountability, environmental damage, and illegal mining. It also covers climate-related resource transitions, community rights, and public policy failures, contributing to greater transparency and informed public engagement.
Fellowship Impact So Far
The first cohort of the Ghana-based fellowship, running from 2025 to 2026, has already shown significant results. Fellows produced high-quality reporting that was featured in major Ghanaian media outlets. These stories covered topics like Ghana’s royalty frameworks, investor concerns, historical mineral revenue analysis, and governance investigations. Outlets such as Citi Newsroom, MyJoyOnline, GhanaWeb, and The High Street Journal published this impactful work.
Fellowship Partners and Institutional Support
The AEMF is supported by a network of national and international institutions. These include the Australian High Commission, Ghana Chamber of Mines, University of Ghana Business School, and the University of Mines and Technology. Other partners include the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, CDD-Ghana, Digital Earth Africa, and WANEP. The program also receives support from the National Petroleum Authority, Public Interest & Accountability Committee (PIAC), and Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Ltd. The launch of the inaugural cohort was attended by government officials, diplomats, industry leaders, academics, and civil society stakeholders.
Benefits of Joining the Fellowship
Selected fellows will receive a wide array of professional development opportunities. They will gain advanced investigative journalism skills and specialized knowledge of the extractives sector. The fellowship also provides data journalism experience, networking opportunities with experts, and mentorship. Participants will gain exposure to policy and governance discussions, connect with industry stakeholders, and build their portfolios. This increased visibility can lead to more impactful storytelling and influence policy debates.
Who Can Apply?
This program is primarily designed for Ghanaian journalists working across various media platforms. This includes print, online, television, radio, and multimedia storytelling. Applicants interested in investigative reporting, extractives reporting, environmental journalism, climate reporting, governance journalism, or business and economic reporting are strongly encouraged to apply. The fellowship seeks individuals passionate about uncovering impactful stories and contributing to public accountability.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Strong applicants will likely demonstrate a passion for public-interest journalism and a keen interest in accountability reporting. Curiosity about extractive industries, a commitment to ethical journalism, and a willingness to fully participate in the six-month program are essential. The ideal candidate will possess strong storytelling abilities and a genuine interest in climate and sustainability issues.
Application Deadline
Applications for Cohort II of the Africa Extractives Media Fellowship close on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM GMT. It is advisable for interested applicants to submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure they are considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Africa Extractives Media Fellowship?
It’s a six-month journalism program by NewsWire Africa to enhance reporting on Africa’s extractive industries, focusing on investigative skills and data journalism for Ghanaian journalists.
What topics does the fellowship cover?
The fellowship covers mining, oil and gas, green minerals, revenue management, governance, environmental justice, community impact, climate transition, and ethical, data-driven investigative journalism.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
The program is primarily for Ghanaian journalists working in print, online, television, radio, and multimedia, especially those interested in investigative, extractives, environmental, climate, governance, or business reporting.
When is the application deadline for Cohort II?
The application deadline for Cohort II is Monday, June 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM GMT.
