African journalists seeking to deepen their investigative reporting skills have an opportunity to participate in an advanced regional training programme aimed at strengthening accountability journalism and cross-border investigations.
Africa Uncensored, in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Regional Media Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa, has announced a call for applications for the Africa Investigative Journalism Lab, scheduled to take place in Mombasa, Kenya, from November 4 to 8, 2026.
The residential programme comes at a time when investigative journalism is increasingly viewed as a critical tool in promoting transparency, exposing corruption and strengthening democratic governance across the continent.
However, journalists continue to face challenges ranging from limited access to information and shrinking newsroom resources to digital disinformation and security risks.
Organisers say the training will focus on equipping journalists with practical skills needed to navigate this evolving landscape while producing impactful public-interest investigations.
Participants will receive hands-on training in data journalism, open-source intelligence (OSINT), digital verification techniques, source protection and legal frameworks governing investigative reporting.
The programme will also cover ethical considerations and safety protocols that have become increasingly important in modern journalism.
A key objective of the initiative is to help participants transform story ideas into publishable investigations.
Throughout the training, journalists will work closely with experienced investigators, editors and digital forensics specialists to refine their reporting approaches and strengthen evidence-gathering techniques.
Beyond individual capacity building, the programme seeks to foster regional collaboration among journalists.
Cross-border investigative partnerships have gained prominence in recent years as many issues affecting African societies including illicit financial flows, environmental crimes, governance challenges and organised crime often extend beyond national boundaries.
The organisers are targeting mid-career and senior journalists with at least three years of reporting experience.
Applications are open to staff reporters, editors, freelancers and multimedia journalists from print, broadcast and digital media organisations across Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Somalia.
Applicants will be assessed based on their professional experience, the strength and feasibility of a proposed investigative story pitch and their demonstrated commitment to accountability journalism.
Organisers have also indicated that geographic and gender diversity will be considered during the selection process, with women journalists strongly encouraged to apply.
Successful candidates will receive full residential accommodation in Mombasa, training materials, mentorship and editorial support, as well as return travel assistance for participants travelling from outside the host city.
To apply, candidates must submit a completed application form, a curriculum vitae, a 300–500-word investigative story proposal, three samples of published investigative or accountability reporting and a letter of support from an editor, media organisation or professional referee. Applications close on August 15, 2026.
Media analysts note that initiatives such as the Africa Investigative Journalism Lab are becoming increasingly important as newsrooms across the continent seek to strengthen evidence-based reporting and enhance public trust in journalism amid rapid changes in the information ecosystem.
Africa Uncensored, a Nairobi-based investigative journalism organisation, is recognised for its in-depth reporting on governance, corruption, human rights and accountability issues across Africa.
KAS, through its Media Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa, supports media freedom, professional journalism and democratic development across the region.
