Open Call: AI and Tech Accountability Reporting Fellowship Program in Nigeria

The AI and Tech Accountability Reporting Fellowship is a programme designed to support journalists and media professionals in investigating the role of artificial intelligence and technology in shaping public life. The fellowship provides funding, mentorship, and resources to help fellows produce investigative reports that scrutinize the ethical implications, transparency, fairness, and accountability of AI systems and technological advancements.

This fellowship provides a unique opportunity for journalists to deeply explore AI’s ethical, economic, and social implications while crafting explanatory and insightful stories examining its role in African society. Fellows will engage critically with AI’s transformative potential, from its innovation promises to its healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance challenges.

Through this fellowship, journalists will have the chance to report on the societal impact of AI and technology, including issues like algorithmic bias, surveillance, data privacy, automation, disinformation, and the role of big tech companies in governance and regulation. By blending AI knowledge with journalistic integrity, the AI and Tech Accountability Reporting Fellowship will empower a new generation of reporters to produce in-depth articles, multimedia reports, or investigations highlighting issues surrounding AI ethics, regulation, and societal consequences.

Benefits

• Advanced AI Journalism Training: Develop expertise in AI literacy, investigative techniques, and ethical reporting to produce accurate, impactful stories on AI-related topics
• Mentorship: Fellows are often paired with AI and tech policy experts and seasoned investigative journalists to guide them through producing high-impact stories.
• Funding: The fellowship typically provides financial support to cover the reporting costs, such as travel, research, and technology needs.
• Outputs: Fellows are expected to produce in-depth articles, multimedia reports, or investigations highlighting issues surrounding AI ethics, regulation, and societal consequences. Articles will be published on CJID platforms and partner media organisations.
• Networking Opportunities: Fellows will engage with AI experts, policymakers, and leading journalists.
• Recognition & Career Growth: Enhance your credibility as a journalist specialising in AI, gaining visibility and career advancement opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

• They welcome applications from:
  • Journalists, researchers and media professionals in Nigeria, especially those with experience in tech reporting or a keen interest in AI, ethics, and digital policy.
  • Journalists strongly interested in covering AI’s impact, challenges, and opportunities in Africa.
  • Journalists dedicated to exploring AI’s ethical, economic, and social implications.
  • Female journalists and journalists with disabilities (PWDs) are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Journalists with a passion for insightful and explanatory reporting.
  • Individuals committed to producing high-quality, impactful stories on AI in Nigeria and Ghana.
  • Journalists with prior experience or interest in technology, governance, or digital reporting.
  • Applicants willing to fully engage in the fellowship’s training, mentorship, and networking activities.

Application Requirements

• Applicants must submit:
  • A compelling story pitch (max. 500 words) detailing the story ideas you will explore for the 3-month duration of the fellowship.
  • A CV/portfolio showcasing relevant journalism experience reporting tech or artificial intelligence.
  • A budget breakdown for anticipated reporting expenses.
  • A letter of intent confirming where the story will be published or broadcast.

For more information, visit CJID.