UK-West Africa Media Excellence in Emerging Technologies Fellowship 2026

The UK-West Africa Media Excellence in Emerging Technologies (MEET) Fellowship is a professional development programme for journalists and digital content creators who want to report on science, innovation and emerging technologies accurately, responsibly and accessibly. It is delivered by the British High Commission teams in Accra, Lagos and Abuja in partnership with Imperial College London through Imperial Global Ghana. What participants receive • Two online pre-training sessions and preparatory reading during the week of 5 October 2026. • A six-night residential training programme in Ghana during the week of 12 October 2026 or in Nigeria during the week of 19 October 2026, depending on the applicant's country track. • Practical training in platform strategy, short-form video, data storytelling and visual design. • Engagement with researchers, policymakers, innovators and industry professionals. • The opportunity to pitch an original story concept for production and publication funding. • For selected pitch award winners, a fully funded one-week knowledge-exchange visit to London during the week of 30 November 2026, including time at Imperial College London. The training covers artificial intelligence, climate and environmental risk, biomedical innovation, the circular economy and electronic waste. It also develops skills in science communication, ethical reporting, public-interest technology coverage and direct engagement with experts. Selection process Applicants who meet every minimum requirement are assessed on relevance to science, innovation and technology themes (35%), the quality of previous work (30%), potential for impact (25%), collaboration readiness (5%) and diversity and inclusion (5%). The organisers particularly encourage applications from women, people outside major urban centres, applicants from underrepresented regions and marginalised groups. How to apply Complete the official online application form by 22 September 2026 at 23:45 GMT. Prepare links to at least five original pieces of relevant work published during the previous 12 months. Applicants must choose the country track in which they are currently based. Partial attendance is not available.

Applicants must: • Be aged 18 or older. • Be currently based in Ghana or Nigeria and apply only through the track for that country. • Work either as a journalist in print, broadcast or online media, or as a digital content creator with an active, publicly viewable presence on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, X or Facebook that includes science, innovation or technology content. • Have published at least five original pieces in the previous 12 months on topics such as climate, health, technology, agriculture, energy or related science and innovation themes, with links available. • Attend all pre-training sessions and the full residential programme for their country. Partial attendance is not permitted. • Hold a valid international passport, or be able to obtain one in time, because selected pitch award winners may travel to the United Kingdom. • Work and communicate professionally in English.