Are you working on something that you think could reshape media or journalism in Africa? Do you have skills you could apply to creating great new media? Do you have the energy and commitment to create something great? Apply to join the Jamlab Accelerator Programme (JAP) sub-Saharan Africa, a six-month hothouse for journalism and media innovators. The programme offers a unique opportunity to fast-track your initiative, providing you with the tools, facilities, contacts, and support necessary to convert your ideas and ambitions into a commercially viable venture or product.
Twenty-nine (29) teams have taken part in six iterations of the programme, with six of them succeeding in securing additional investment immediately after the programme. The programme will run from June till November 2023.
What do you get?
The six teams selected will receive the following:
- Virtual mentorship and coaching from experienced media, startup and tech experts and entrepreneurs.
- Free places on a three-month Media Entrepreneurship course offered by Wits Centre for Journalism.
- Access to a technical support development team.
- Opportunities to pitch to potential investors, funders, and various stakeholders with an MVP (minimum viable product).
- Access to a network which includes, but is not limited to, Programme Alumni.
Eligible Countries
- This will be the sixth cohort, but the third iteration of a virtual accelerator programme. They welcome applications from all countries across sub-Saharan Africa, particularly those in Benin; Burkina Faso; Cote de Ivoire; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Madagascar; Malawi; Mali; Mozambique; Niger; Nigeria; Senegal; Sierra Leone, Togo and Zambia.
Eligibility Criteria
- They are looking for committed and creative journalists and media makers who are passionate about fixing what isn’t working in sub-Saharan African media. They are looking for startups that want to create innovative products or services to serve new audiences or bring new conversations or ideas to the public.
- They welcome applications from all countries across Africa.
- Please Note: Successful startups will need a steady internet connection and have a good command of speaking and writing in English.
- Part-time students are welcome to apply.
- Innovators, media makers and entrepreneurs with a great idea and the commitment to create and sustain a new journalism or media venture. Innovators, media makers and entrepreneurs who lead an existing journalism or media venture that they want to grow and develop.
- Starting or growing a new venture is challenging work so they encourage people to apply as a team of at least two people who are able to commit all or a substantial majority of their time to their project. Larger teams are also welcomed.
- This programme will be based on a significant amount of “virtual face-to-face” interaction so applicants must have a stable internet connection.
- They are especially keen to see women and women led teams apply.
For more information, visit Wits Centre for Journalism.
