Do you want to investigate and report on illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea? 

Code for Africa (CfA) is offering stipend-based Environmental Journalism Fellowships for data and investigative journalists interested in uncovering the Gulf of Guinea’s illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The fellowship is part of the joint initiative between CfA and GRID-Arendal to build upon the strong political will, demonstrated by the government of Guinea in recent years to reinforce the fisheries sector governance and intensify the fight against IUU fishing. The non-partisan project seeks to support the policy reforms that have already started, introduce new policy reforms and promote further fisheries transparency to help the country address IUU fishing in its marine waters.

The successful candidates will work with CfA’s DataLab and iLAB forensic investigation teams to conceptualise and produce investigative reports while receiving technical support and mentorship. The fellows will use data, visualisations, digital cartography and satellite imagery analysis to produce investigative reports that promote fisheries transparency to help the country address IUU fishing in its marine waters.

Below are details of the fellowship:

  • No. of fellows: Up to two fellows will be awarded
  • Duration: Five months
  • Stipend amount: Up to USD 2,250 
  • Fellowship support: Each fellow will receive hands-on technical training, one-on-one mentorship, and support from CfA’s DataLab and iLAB investigative teams alongside editorial support and access to GRID-Arendal’s network of local stakeholders.
  • Publishing and dissemination strategy: Fellows will publish their articles in partnership with local and international media houses.

Applicants must meet the following criteria

  • You must be an established investigative data journalist with a minimum track record of two years of producing hard-hitting journalism and reportage.
  • You are based in West Africa, preferably in Guinea.
  • You are fluent in English.
  • You have basic knowledge of data or investigative journalism.
  • You have a portfolio of stories with at least one media partner 

Complete this form to apply for the fellowship
Deadline for submission: 20 October 2022.