Training for African Journalists on Reporting Payment Systems and Financial Inclusion

Deadline: 30-Aug-2026

The AfricaNenda Foundation is offering specialized training for African journalists who want to strengthen their reporting on digital payments, fintech, financial inclusion, and instant payment systems. The programme combines practical journalism training with expert engagement, regional networking, access to research and data, and potential reporting opportunities through the AfricaNenda Media Coalition. What Is the AfricaNenda Journalism Training Programme? The programme is designed to help journalists develop the knowledge and skills required to report accurately and independently on Africa’s rapidly evolving digital finance ecosystem. As instant payment systems, mobile money, digital wallets, and interoperable payment platforms expand across Africa, journalists increasingly need to understand the technology, regulation, risks, and social impact behind these systems. The training therefore combines financial-sector knowledge with practical reporting techniques. Why Digital Payments Journalism Matters Digital payments are transforming how individuals and businesses send, receive, save, and manage money across Africa. However, access and benefits are not evenly distributed. Digital financial systems can have significant implications for: Receiving training or joining the coalition does not necessarily guarantee a reporting grant. Funding availability and selection criteria may apply. Who Is Eligible? The programme is intended for journalists based in Africa who have a professional interest in financial systems, fintech, development, or related issues. It can also benefit journalists looking to develop a specialized reporting niche in digital financial services and inclusive payment systems. What Skills Can Journalists Develop? The training can help participants strengthen several complementary skills. Digital Finance Knowledge Journalists can develop a better understanding of how digital payment infrastructure works and how different payment systems interact. Financial Policy Reporting Participants can learn how regulation and policy decisions affect payment providers, consumers, businesses, and financial inclusion. Data-Driven Reporting The programme emphasizes the use of data and evidence to produce more accurate and compelling financial stories. Investigative Awareness Understanding fraud, consumer protection, privacy, and payment-system vulnerabilities can help journalists identify important reporting angles. Regional Collaboration Working with journalists from other African countries can facilitate cross-border reporting and knowledge exchange. How the Programme Works

Step 1: Apply as an Eligible Journalist

Applicants should demonstrate their professional journalism experience and explain their interest in digital payments and financial inclusion.

Step 2: Participate in Intensive Training

Selected journalists participate in practical sessions covering payment systems, regulation, financial inclusion, data, and reporting techniques.

Step 3: Engage With Experts

Participants interact with policymakers, regulators, payment experts, fintech professionals, and other sector stakeholders.

Step 4: Join the Media Coalition

Selected participants can become part of the AfricaNenda Media Coalition and gain access to ongoing resources and networking opportunities.

Step 5: Develop Stronger Reporting

Journalists can apply their new knowledge to produce more evidence-based reporting on digital payments and financial inclusion.

Step 6: Explore Reporting Opportunities

Where resources are available, selected journalists may receive limited support for in-depth or cross-border reporting projects. Why This Opportunity Matters Africa’s digital payment ecosystem is developing rapidly, but public understanding does not always keep pace with technological and regulatory changes. Journalists play an important role in explaining: How instant payment systems work. Who benefits from digital financial services. Which communities remain excluded. How fintech regulation affects consumers. What risks are associated with digital payments. How privacy and consumer protection are being addressed. How women and informal businesses experience digital finance. Better journalism can contribute to more informed public debate and greater accountability in the digital financial sector. What Makes a Strong Applicant? A strong applicant should demonstrate both journalistic experience and genuine interest in digital finance. Applicants can strengthen their profile by highlighting: Previous reporting on finance or technology. Stories about financial inclusion. Experience using data in journalism. Reporting on women or underserved communities. Coverage of fintech or mobile money. Experience with investigative reporting. Regional or cross-border reporting experience. A clear interest in understanding digital payment infrastructure. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Providing a generic journalism profile without explaining their interest in digital finance. Failing to demonstrate previous reporting experience. Treating digital payments only as a technology topic without considering financial inclusion. Ignoring the impact of digital finance on women, rural communities, and informal workers. Providing weak evidence of freelance journalism experience when applying independently. Failing to explain how the training could improve future reporting. Evidence of media affiliation or freelance experience. A clear explanation of their interest in digital payments. Examples of reporting on finance, technology, development, or inclusion. A clear description of how they intend to use the training. Applicants should emphasize their potential to use the knowledge gained to produce accurate, evidence-based, independent journalism. Frequently Asked Questions What is the AfricaNenda journalism training programme? It is a specialized training initiative designed to help African journalists improve their reportin