The AfricaNenda Foundation has opened applications for a specialised training programme designed to strengthen journalists’ ability to report on digital payments, payment systems and financial inclusion across Africa. The programme will equip participants with practical skills, expert knowledge and evidence-based reporting techniques to investigate how payment systems affect individuals, businesses and communities. The training will take place in October 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, with applications closing on 30 August 2026. Journalists from all African countries are eligible to apply, with particular encouragement for applications from women journalists and journalists based in selected underserved markets. Why the Training Matters Instant payment systems are expanding rapidly across Africa, transforming how individuals and businesses send, receive and manage money. However, public understanding and independent reporting have not always kept pace with these developments. AfricaNenda Foundation’s programme seeks to help journalists move beyond reporting product launches and technology announcements to investigate how digital payment systems operate in practice. Participants will be encouraged to examine who benefits from these systems, who remains excluded and what implications digital finance has for consumers and communities. The programme also responds to challenges journalists may face when covering complex financial and technological issues, including limited technical knowledge, restricted access to reliable data and insufficient opportunities for specialised training. Training Areas The intensive programme will cover several important areas of digital finance and payment systems, including: Inclusive instant payment systems in Africa. Digital wallets, mobile money and other payment channels. Interoperability and cross-border payments. Regulation, governance and public policy. Fraud, data privacy and consumer protection. Data journalism and evidence-based reporting. Through practical sessions, interaction with experts and peer learning, journalists will develop the ability to interpret relevant data, identify underreported issues and produce stronger stories about financial inclusion. Join the Africa Media Coalition The training will also serve as an entry point into the AfricaNenda Media Coalition, a pan-African network of journalists committed to strengthening independent, high-quality reporting on digital finance and inclusive payment systems. The coalition aims to build a diverse community of African journalists, encourage evidence-based reporting and promote greater scrutiny and accountability across digital financial ecosystems. Members will also work to amplify perspectives that are often underrepresented in financial technology reporting, including those of women, rural communities and informal-sector workers. The network will promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among journalists across the continent. Benefits for Coalition Members Selected journalists who join the coalition may gain access to research, data and knowledge resources relevant to payment systems and financial inclusion. They may also have opportunities to engage with payment experts, policymakers, regulators and industry leaders. Additional opportunities may include regional collaboration, invitations to selected workshops and learning sessions, specialised training, and opportunities to increase the visibility of published work. Where funding is available, AfricaNenda Foundation may provide limited reporting grants to selected journalists producing in-depth or cross-border stories. However, participation in the training does not automatically guarantee financial support. Mandatory Story Proposal Applicants must develop a proposed story as part of their application. They must select one priority theme from the following areas: Access, adoption and use of instant payments. Affordability and transparency. Interoperability and open payment systems. Women’s financial inclusion. Consumer protection, fraud and data privacy. Regulation and governance. Cross-border payments. The proposal should include a working headline, selected theme, country or countries to be covered, central investigative question and an explanation of why the story matters. Applicants must also identify the people, communities, institutions or data sources they expect to consult and indicate the proposed format, which could include a written article, radio report, television feature, podcast, video or multimedia story. The proposal must also identify the media outlet where the journalist expects to publish or broadcast the story. Publication Commitment Participation comes with a mandatory commitment to produce and publish or broadcast at least one story within one month after completing the training. The story should draw on the training and address the applicant’s selected priority topic. Applicants must submit a signed editor’s letter confirming that the proposed story has been approved and that the media organisation will publish or broadcast the final work. Applications without an editor’s commitment letter will not be considered. Who Can Apply? The programme welcomes applications from business and finance reporters, technology and fintech journalists, development and gender reporters, regional correspondents, and early- to mid-career journalists working across Africa. Applicants must either be affiliated with a credible media organisation or demonstrate a strong freelance journalism track record. They should also show a clear interest in financial systems, fintech, development reporting or related issues. AfricaNenda particularly encourages applications from female journalists and journalists based in South Sudan, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Rwanda, Cape Verde and WAEMU countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. Application Requirements and Deadline Applicants should submit: A CV. A motivation letter of no more than 300 words. Two samples of published work. A proposed story angle based on one of the priority themes. A signed editor’s letter confirming publication or broadcast. The application deadline is 30 August 2026, while the training is scheduled for October 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. Applications should be sent to info@africanenda.org using the subject line: Media Training Application: Inclusive Instant Payment Systems, Nairobi, Kenya. The programme provides African journalists with an opportunity to strengthen specialised reporting skills, access expert knowledge and become part of a continental network working to improve public understanding, transparency and accountability around digital payments and financial inclusion. VIEW THE CALL FOR APPLICATION HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) shares    jobs, internships, fellowships, grants, scholarships, and other opportunities for informational purposes only. GSO does not participate in the recruitment or selection process. Applicants should verify the vacancy details, eligibility requirements, application process, and deadline through the official organisation before applying.