Deadline: April 4, 2026
Applications are open for the Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship 2026. Inspired by the need to tackle and curb the rapid spread of mis- and dis-information and further expand the art and reach of verified and accurate information to rural and urban societies, to institutionalize a culture of fact-checking across the globe, and to build knowledge around the menace of information disorder in Africa, the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), through its fact-checking project, DUBAWA, set up her Kwame Karikari fact-checking and research fellowship.
Named after Professor Kwame Karikari, redoubtable media freedom advocate and founder of the Media Foundation for West Africa, MFWA, both the Fact-Checking and Research Fellowships are designed to promote accountability of public institutions, institutionalize the art and culture of fact-checking in newsrooms, and build knowledge around the phenomenon in the Anglophone axis of the West African sub-region. This edition of the fellowship is the third in its series.
The twin-track programme offers a six-months fellowship for journalists (fact-checkers) to incorporate fact-checking into their work; and another six-month fellowship for scholars (researchers) to conduct original research for publication in contribution to building knowledge around information disorder.
Benefits
- Practical OSINT training: Receive intensive, hands-on coaching in fact-checking using open-source intelligence, with guidance and mentorship from the DUBAWA and DAIDAC teams. Master current tools and verification techniques.
- Real-world impact: Get your reports published on your media platform and on DUBAWA channels, expanding your reach and contributing meaningfully to tackling misinformation.
- Newsroom capacity building: Access support to establish a fact-checking desk in your newsroom and strengthen internal verification systems.
- Regional professional network: Join a growing community of journalists committed to accuracy, and collaborate with peers across West Africa.
- Multi-platform visibility: Lead fact-checking conversations across social media, radio and television, while promoting media literacy within your audience.
Eligibility
- Open to Full-time journalists from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or The Gambia.
- Fact-checkers or investigative journalists who are ready to take their skills to the next level.
- Past fellows of the Kwame Karikari fellowship with an avid interest in OSINT investigations.
- Exceptional writers with a passion for truth.
- Individuals who are eager to learn and grow in the field of fact-checking.
- Journalists committed to dedicating time to the fellowship and its activities.
- Those with management buy-in to support and publish fact-checks.
- Female journalists and journalists with disabilities (PWDs) are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Journalists with expertise in climate and conflict reporting are also welcome.
Application
For more information, visit Kwame Karikari Fact-checking and OSINT Fellowship.
