Asharami Square Energy Reporting Fellowship 2026

The Asharami Square Energy Reporting Fellowship 2026, hosted by Sahara Group, supports African journalists to produce investigative, evidence-based stories on energy issues. It offers financial support, training, mentorship, and industry exposure to foster high-quality reporting that informs policy, investment, and public discourse on Africa’s energy future. The fellowship emphasizes underreported challenges, practical solutions, and critical engagement with energy systems, including oil, gas, power, and sustainability topics. Applicants must have published work in the energy sector and meet strict criteria for originality, public interest, and journalistic rigor.

What it offers

This fellowship provides up to USD 5,000 in total funding, including a USD 3,500 cash prize for the winner. Fellows gain access to masterclasses, workshops, facility tours, and mentorship from industry leaders. The program also builds a long-term community of journalists equipped to report on energy issues with depth, balance, and solutions-oriented insights.

Who can apply

The fellowship is open to practicing journalists and media professionals across Africa, including those working in print, broadcast, or digital media. Applicants must be actively reporting on energy sector topics (e.g., power, economics, policy, mining) and have published work in the specified period. Early-career and established journalists are welcome, but submissions must align with the fellowship’s focus on public-interest, evidence-based storytelling.

What you'll do

Fellows will uncover underreported energy stories that highlight trade-offs, constraints, and real-world impacts. The program encourages field-based reporting, data-driven insights, and solutions-oriented narratives that advance Africa’s energy transition. Winners and finalists will engage in training, exposure to industry stakeholders, and mentorship to strengthen their capacity for impactful journalism.

How to apply

1. Submit an original story published or broadcast between January 1, 2026, and November 30, 2026, aligned with the fellowship’s themes.
2. Provide proof of publication (e.g., direct link or file upload) and a letter of attestation from the editor or media organization confirming your role.
3. Complete an online application form with personal details, professional background, and submission details (story title, coverage area, methodology, public interest statement, and publication link).

Applications close on November 2026, with winners and finalists announced after an independent panel review.

Good to know

• Eligible journalists must work in Africa and cover energy-related topics (e.g., power, economics, policy, sustainability).
• Submissions must be original, well-researched, and free of promotional/advertorial framing.
• Unpublished drafts or personal essays are not accepted.
• The fellowship prioritizes bold, solutions-focused reporting that goes beyond diagnosis to propose practical, forward-looking solutions.
• No prior energy journalism experience is required, but submissions must directly engage with the energy sector.

The fellowship is part of Sahara Group’s Sahara Beyond XXX initiative, aiming to strengthen Africa’s energy narrative through credible journalism and community-building.