About the opportunity
The Connect & Create Relay Scheme is a professional development program focused on cultural communications in Sub-Saharan Africa. Selected participants will work directly with Creative Tandem projects in their respective countries, gaining hands-on experience in storytelling, social media, editorial planning, media relations, and cultural reporting. The program combines practical work with training and individual mentoring to help young professionals develop their skills and expand their regional networks.
Funding and benefits
- An allowance provided for communication activities carried out for the supported project
- Professional training and individual mentoring
- A training certificate upon successful completion
- Access to a peer network of communication professionals across participating African countries and the wider Connect & Create ecosystem
Who can apply?
- Must be a journalist, communications professional, content creator, influencer, or media host/presenter
- Must have 2 to 5 years of professional experience in communications, journalism, media, or content creation
- Must have an interest in performing arts, music, and the wider cultural and creative industries
- Must have an active audience and a demonstrated local presence through social media, media platforms, community networks, or similar channels
- Must reside in one of the following countries: South Africa, Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Uganda, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, or Senegal
Required documents
- Completed online application form
- A short CV in English or French
- A portfolio containing up to three examples of previous work
When to apply
- Application deadline: October 13, 2026
How to apply
- Download and carefully read the official guidelines document (20260914_connect_create_appel_relais_ENG.pdf)
- Prepare your CV, portfolio of up to three work examples, and application details
- Access the online application form via the official portal and submit all required documents before the deadline on October 13, 2026
Additional information
- Participants will work directly with Creative Tandem projects in their home country.
- InterArts Funding offers independent, paid professional support to assist with applications, but is not affiliated with the official funding organization.
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…
- Ideal for early-to-mid career media professionals (2–5 years of experience) in Sub-Saharan Africa looking to specialize in cultural and creative industries.
- Great fit for content creators and journalists who already have an active local audience and want to expand their regional network.
- Excellent opportunity for those seeking structured mentorship alongside practical, hands-on project experience.
What should you think carefully about?
- The financial support is described as an allowance for communication activities rather than a full salary, which may not cover all living expenses.
- Eligibility is strictly limited to applicants residing in the 12 specified Sub-Saharan African countries.
- Requires a pre-existing portfolio of up to three work examples, which must be ready for submission.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This scheme is highly suitable for communications professionals aiming to build a niche in cultural reporting, performing arts, or music. It provides a structured pathway to gain regional visibility, acquire a formal training certificate, and connect with a broader European-African creative ecosystem, making it a strong stepping stone for career advancement in creative media.
Our take
Young journalists, influencers, and content creators in the 12 eligible African countries who want to deepen their expertise in cultural communications should seriously consider applying. It is less suitable for those seeking full-time, fully-salaried employment or those residing outside the specified countries.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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