Jamlab 2021-2022 Accelerator Programme sub-Saharan Africa for Journalism & Media Innovators

Are you working on something that you think could reshape media or journalism in sub-Saharan? Do you have skills you could apply to creating great new media? Do you have the energy and commitment to create something great?

We are looking for committed and creative journalists and media makers who are passionate about fixing what isn’t working in sub-Saharan African media, who want to create innovative products or services  to serve new audiences, or bring new conversations or ideas to the public.

The Jamlab Accelerator Programme is our six-month hothouse for journalism and media innovators. The programme offers a unique opportunity to fast-track your initiative. It will provide you with the tools, facilities, contacts, and support necessary to convert your ideas and ambitions into a commercially viable venture or product.

We 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.

• Table of Content
• About Jamlab
• Jamlab Accelerator Programme sub-Saharan Africa
• Aim and Benefits of Jamlab Accelerator Programme sub-Saharan Africa
• Requirements for Jamlab Accelerator Programme sub-Saharan Africa Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Jamlab

Jamlab, short for the Journalism and Media Lab, is a project of Wits Journalism. Our work aims to support more and better innovation in journalism and media in Africa.

Jamlab Accelerator Programme sub-Saharan Africa

Aim and Benefits of Jamlab Accelerator Programme sub-Saharan Africa

The six teams selected from sub-Saharan Africa will receive the following:

• Virtual mentorship and coaching from experienced media, start-up and tech experts and entrepreneurs.
• Free places on a three-month Media Entrepreneurship course offered by Wits Journalism
• Access to a technical support development team.
• Opportunities to pitch to potential investors, funders and various stakeholders with a MVP (minimum viable product).
• Access to network which includes but not limited to Programme Alumni.

Twenty-four (24) teams have taken part in four iterations of the Jamlab Accelerator Programme, with six of them succeeding in securing additional investment immediately after the programme.

Requirements for Jamlab Accelerator Programme sub-Saharan Africa Qualification

We 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.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

1. Do a thorough read of all the Frequently Asked Questions.
2. Take a look previous startups on the accelerator programme.
3. Have a look at what our alumni say about the programme.
4. Complete this short application form to capture your details and confirm your eligibility and ability to participate.

You will be asked to write a short pitch setting out your idea for a new journalism start-up or describing your existing venture and your ideas for growing and developing it further. Include in this pitch why and how your venture is innovating in the space.

You will also be asked to provide short resumes of your key team, including a line on each one’s role in the venture.

Successful teams will need a steady internet and have a good command of speaking and writing in English.

For more details, visit Jamlab website.