Applications are now open for the Griots Fellowship 2026, a transformative programme designed to support African storytellers, journalists, and cultural practitioners shaping the continent’s narratives and preserving its heritage.
The Griots Fellowship is an initiative of the Léo Africa Institute, designed to strengthen both storytelling craft and cultural leadership.
Through a blend of in-person residencies, virtual workshops, and independent creative projects, fellows engage deeply with narrative strategy, media production, and cultural influence.
The programme is structured to support participants not only as creators, but as changemakers shaping how Africa is represented and understood.
Fellowship Tracks
Participants will engage in one of three core tracks:
Journalism & Media: Designed for journalists, editors, and media professionals, this track focuses on investigative reporting, multimedia storytelling, and data journalism across traditional and digital platforms.
Creative Arts: Tailored for filmmakers, writers, poets, and artists, this track explores storytelling through creative expression, including film, literature, visual storytelling, and digital content creation.
Cultural Heritage: Focused on cultural practitioners working to preserve African heritage, this track covers oral history documentation, indigenous knowledge systems, and language revitalization.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Aged 25 to 45 years
- Minimum of three years’ experience in journalism, writing, filmmaking, or cultural practice
- A strong portfolio of published work or creative projects
- African citizen or person of African descent
- Demonstrated commitment to authentic African storytelling
- Submission of a clear storytelling project proposal
What Fellows Gain
Participants in the programme will benefit from:
- Intensive training in storytelling and narrative development
- Participation in residencies and collaborative workshops
- Opportunities to develop and execute a creative storytelling project
- Access to a network of storytellers, creatives, and cultural leaders
- Enhanced capacity to influence narratives and cultural discourse