About the opportunity
The JournalismAI Strategy Lab is a no-cost, five-week online programme designed for journalists and media professionals across Africa who want to move beyond basic experimentation and make informed, deliberate choices about how AI fits into their journalism. Developed by the JournalismAI team at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and supported by Google, the programme brings together a cohort of up to 20 participants for expert-led masterclasses, hands-on workshops, and structured peer discussions. The curriculum covers AI concepts, data and workflows, generative AI tools, risks, ethics, and turning ideas into concrete implementation plans for newsrooms.
Funding and benefits
- No-cost participation, supported by Google
- A grounded understanding of AI capabilities and limitations in journalism
- Hands-on experience evaluating and working with AI tools
- A concrete action plan or project proposal to implement in your newsroom
- A professional network of peers from across Africa and beyond
Who can apply?
- Must be employed by or formally affiliated with a news organisation in Africa
- Must be fluent in English
- Open to journalists, editors, senior journalists, product leads, and news managers from all career stages and newsroom sizes
- No coding or technical background required
Required documents
- Application form responses detailing your background, newsroom, and goals
- Letter of organisational commitment from your employer
When to apply
- Applications close on 29 November 2026 at 11:59 PM GMT
- Programme runs over five weeks with modules spanning January and February
How to apply
- Review the programme details and eligibility criteria
- Prepare the letter of organisational commitment using the provided template if desired
- Submit the application via the online application form before the deadline
Additional information
- Participation in all live sessions (Tuesdays and Thursdays) is mandatory
- Selected participants are required to sign a personal commitment letter
- Freelancers and journalists based outside of Africa or not fluent in English are not eligible
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 journalists, editors, and media managers in Africa who want to move past basic AI experimentation and build formal AI strategies.
- Well-suited for professionals looking for structured, peer-supported learning without needing coding or advanced technical skills.
- A great fit for candidates whose employers are fully supportive and ready to implement AI action plans developed during the lab.
What should you think carefully about?
- Strict time commitment of approximately five hours per week, including mandatory live sessions.
- Freelancers are ineligible because applicants must be formally affiliated with a news organisation and provide an employer commitment letter.
- Mandatory attendance across all weekly sessions is required, so applicants must ensure schedule alignment.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This programme fits professionals aiming to build strategic AI competencies, create tangible newsroom proposals, and connect with a continental network of peers. It offers actionable, short-term skill building that directly impacts daily journalism workflows without requiring a long-term academic commitment.
Our take
Journalists and newsroom leaders in Africa who are positioned to drive editorial innovation and have institutional backing should seriously consider applying. Freelancers or those unable to commit to mandatory live sessions should look for self-paced alternatives.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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