Investigative Journalism Mentorship Programme for Women 2026 – Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) – Applications Reopened

Application Deadline: July 4, 2026

About the Programme

Are you a young female journalism graduate or an early-career journalist passionate about investigative and accountability journalism? Recognising the underrepresentation of women in investigative journalism, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), with funding from the European Union through International Media Support, is reopening this call to invite applications from young female journalism graduates, early career journalists, and other young professionals with a passion for accountability journalism in Ghana to participate in a 12-month mentorship programme. The mentorship programme seeks to nurture five female investigative journalists by promoting gender inclusion, diversity, and ethical reporting, while empowering them to become influential voices in countering disinformation and advancing accountability. This initiative is part of the activities being implemented by the MFWA under the project titled “African Media Integrity and Resilience Programme.”

Programme Format

The mentorship programme is hybrid, structured as follows:

• 2 months of in-person residential training (accommodation provided at a designated location)
• 10 months of non-residential mentorship, which will include coaching and professional support with experienced female news editors and governance experts
• Within the 10 months, there will also be a 6-month hybrid newsroom attachment with the MFWA’s Independent Journalism Project, The Fourth Estate

What to Expect

• Training on investigative approaches to governance and policy issues, mobile journalism, fact-checking, multimedia storytelling, content production for digital platforms, and women’s safety in journalism
• Mentorship and professional coaching with experienced female news editors and governance experts
• Financial and editorial support to produce at least four investigative/in-depth stories
• A certificate of honour upon successful completion
• Monthly stipend

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to female journalism graduates, early-career journalists, and young professionals with a passion for accountability journalism
• Applicants must commit to full participation in the hybrid programme from July 2026 to June 2027
• This call is open to only applicants in the Eastern, Central, Ashanti, Bono East, Savannah, Northern, and Upper West Regions
• Open to female Ghanaian nationals only

Contact Information

For enquiries, contact Josephine Badu-Nyarko on 0547043404 or email josephine@mfwa.org.

Why This Programme Matters

Investigative journalism is essential for accountability, transparency, and good governance. Yet women remain underrepresented in this field, particularly in leadership roles and in producing investigative content. This mentorship programme addresses this gap by:

• Nurturing five female investigative journalists through a comprehensive 12-month programme
• Providing intensive training on investigative approaches, fact-checking, multimedia storytelling, and women’s safety
• Offering mentorship and professional coaching from experienced female news editors and governance experts
• Providing financial and editorial support to produce at least four investigative stories
• Including a 6-month hybrid newsroom attachment with The Fourth Estate
• Offering a monthly stipend to support participation

For female journalism graduates and early-career journalists in Ghana who are passionate about accountability journalism, this programme offers a unique opportunity to develop investigative skills, gain professional mentorship, and produce impactful stories that advance transparency and accountability.

How to Apply

Send the following documents to applications@mfwa.org with the subject: “Application for Female IJ Mentorship” by July 4, 2026:

1. Motivation letter (Max. 300 words) detailing why you should be considered for the mentorship programme
2. Links to two published news articles (print, TV, radio, or online) for journalists or a published blog post for other professionals
3. Letter of consent from your employer (for staff journalists)
4. CV with two referees

Note: Only shortlisted applicants from the specified regions will be acknowledged and contacted.

For More Information: Visit the Official MFWA Website