About the opportunity
The Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE) invites journalists nationwide in Zimbabwe to submit investigative story proposals focusing on issues that affect local communities. The initiative supports robust local journalism that goes beyond reporting events to uncover new information, expose wrongdoing, hold public institutions and officials accountable, and help communities understand how decisions and public resources impact their lives. CITE seeks original, well-researched, and evidence-based story ideas covering corruption, public service delivery failures, local authority accountability, missing public funds, procurement irregularities, conflicts of interest, and public financial management weaknesses. Successful investigations will be published on CITE’s digital platforms and made available to local media outlets.
Funding and benefits
- Grants of up to US$800 depending on the quality, strength, and scope of the proposed investigation.
- Financial support for the reporting and production of the investigative story.
- Publication of the completed investigation on CITE's website and social media platforms.
- Distribution through WhatsApp and local media outlets for wider reach.
- Public engagement support via digital platforms, including X Spaces where appropriate.
Who can apply?
- Open to journalists nationwide reporting independently or in collaboration with locally based journalists and community reporters in Zimbabwe.
- Proposals must address issues of significant public interest affecting communities across Zimbabwe.
- Applicants must have the necessary access, local knowledge, sources, or partnerships needed to investigate the story effectively.
Required documents
- Story idea outlining the issue to investigate, who or what is involved, why it matters, and expected findings.
- Work samples consisting of links or copies of previously published journalism, preferably investigative or public-interest reporting.
- Editor’s support letter or email from a media organisation confirming support for the proposed investigation.
When to apply
- Submission opening date: 21 September 2026.
- Submission deadline: 2 October 2026.
How to apply
- Prepare your story idea, work samples, and editor's support letter.
- Send your proposal via email to zenzele@cite.org.zw and lesley@cite.org.zw by the deadline.
Additional information
- Focus areas include corruption, public service delivery failures, government and local authority accountability, misuse of public funds, procurement irregularities, and conflicts of interest.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- An ideal opportunity for freelance or staff journalists in Zimbabwe seeking financial backing and wider readership for rigorous investigative reporting.
- Well-suited for reporters who already possess strong local community access, sources, and a compelling lead on public resource mismanagement or accountability issues.
- Provides a valuable platform for amplifying underreported stories through established digital distribution channels and media syndication.
What should you think carefully about?
- The maximum grant amount is US$800, which may require careful budgeting depending on the scale and travel requirements of the investigation.
- Applicants must secure formal confirmation from an editor or media organisation supporting the pitch, which could pose a hurdle for completely independent journalists without newsroom backing.
- The application window is exceptionally brief, requiring pitches to be assembled and submitted within roughly eleven days.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This grant aligns well with journalists aiming to produce high-impact public-interest reporting, strengthen their investigative portfolios, and bring critical local accountability issues to a wider national audience.
Our take
Journalists in Zimbabwe with a well-developed investigative pitch and newsroom support should apply before the October 2, 2026 deadline, provided they can execute the project within the grant's scope.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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