Deadline: January 9, 2026
Applications are open for the KESSA Young Panafrican Storytellers Program 2026. KESSA supports the new generation of African storytellers — those who write, film, create, think, and transform the continent’s narratives.
KESSA was born from a simple conviction: telling Africa’s story differently is already a way of transforming it. Africa is a continent of voices, memories, and imaginations. In its cities, stages, studios, laboratories, and media spaces, powerful narratives are emerging — stories that inspire, challenge perceptions, and reveal a continent in motion.
A joint initiative of the UM6P Story School and the French-African Foundation, KESSA aims to support and elevate the talents who are shaping a modern, bold, and inspiring African narrative. The word KESSA, meaning “story” in Arabic and in several African dialects, embodies this ambition: to amplify stories that resonate, connect, and transform.
Benefits
This is a unique pan-African program designed to:
- Fix: Fix the creative voices that are shifting perspectives.
- Support: Support emerging talent through first-rate training.
- Connect: Connect a pan-African community of creators, thinkers and storytellers.
During an immersive week at the UM6P Story School campus, the 30 selected laureates will benefit from an environment where creativity, innovation, and storytelling come together.
Eligibility
Candidates must:
- Be an African;
- Be between 25 and 40 years old;
- Have at least 5 years of experience in their field;
- Demonstrate significant creative practice or narrative work;
- Possess an active and engaged audience connected to Africa;
- Contribute to a positive, structured, and transformative African narrative;
- Show strong potential for impact.
Application
Deadline: 10 January 2026 at midnight (9 January, 11:59 PM)
For more information, visit Kessa Young Panafrican Storytellers Program.
