DW Akademie Dialogue Fund 2025: €4,000 Stipend for Southern African Journalists Exploring AI and Media Integrity

Artificial intelligence is reshaping journalism. From automated fact-checking to synthetic content detection, AI tools are becoming essential for media integrity work. But access to these technologies and the expertise to use them effectively remains uneven across the globe.

The DW Akademie Dialogue Fund 2025 addresses this gap by bringing together journalists from Southern Africa to explore AI applications in journalism. Over 10 months, fellows receive training, mentorship, and a €4,000 stipend to develop projects that strengthen media integrity in their communities.

This isnt theoretical exploration. Fellows work on practical projects - developing AI-powered verification tools, creating training materials for newsrooms, or building systems to detect misinformation. The program combines international expertise from DW Akademie with local knowledge from participating journalists.

With a deadline of November 23, 2025, eligible journalists from Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zambia should begin preparing applications now. This represents a significant investment in building AI capacity within Southern African journalism.

Key Details at a Glance

What This Fellowship Offers

The Dialogue Fund provides comprehensive support for journalists developing AI-related projects for their newsrooms and communities.

€4,000 stipend distributed across the fellowship period supports your participation and project development. This funding helps cover time spent on fellowship activities and project costs.

Expert training on AI applications in journalism forms the core curriculum. Sessions cover AI tools for verification, fact-checking, content moderation, and other media integrity applications.

Mentorship from DW Akademie specialists guides your project development. Experienced media development professionals provide feedback and support throughout the fellowship.

Peer learning with fellow journalists from across Southern Africa creates lasting networks. Cross-border collaboration enables knowledge sharing and partnership development.

Project support helps you move from concept to implementation. Your fellowship project should address a real challenge in your work or community.

In-person workshops bring fellows together for intensive collaborative sessions. These gatherings deepen relationships and accelerate project progress.

Certificate of completion from DW Akademie recognizes your participation and achievements.

Alumni network connects you with previous Dialogue Fund fellows working on media integrity across the region.

Who Should Apply

The Dialogue Fund targets working journalists from Southern Africa committed to strengthening media integrity through technology.

Journalists from Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, or Zambia are the primary audience. You must be based in one of these four countries.

Working professionals with newsroom experience are preferred. The program builds on existing journalism practice rather than providing entry-level training.

English proficiency is required for participation in training sessions, collaborative work, and project documentation.

Interest in AI and technology applications for journalism is essential. You dont need prior AI expertise, but genuine curiosity about these tools matters.

Commitment to media integrity should be evident in your work. The program focuses on using AI to strengthen journalism quality and combat misinformation.

Availability for full 10-month commitment is necessary. The fellowship requires sustained engagement over the program period.

Ability to attend in-person workshops when scheduled is important. While much work happens virtually, face-to-face sessions are part of the program.

Insider Tips for a Winning Application

Articulate a specific project idea. General interest in AI is less compelling than a concrete concept. What problem in your newsroom or community could AI help address?

Demonstrate existing journalism practice. Show your track record. Include examples of investigative work, fact-checking efforts, or other relevant experience.

Connect AI to local context. How would AI tools benefit journalism in your specific country? What are the particular challenges that technology might help address?

Show awareness of AI limitations. Thoughtful applications acknowledge that AI isnt a magic solution. Understanding both possibilities and constraints demonstrates sophistication.

Explain how youll share knowledge. The program aims to build capacity beyond individual fellows. How will you bring learnings back to your newsroom or community?

Address the 10-month commitment seriously. Explain how youll balance fellowship activities with your regular work. Programs prefer participants who can fully engage.

Highlight collaboration experience. The Dialogue Fund brings together journalists from four countries. Show that you work well across cultural and organizational boundaries.

Application Timeline

With the November 23, 2025 deadline approaching, heres a preparation schedule for prospective applicants.

Now - November 15, 2025: Develop your project concept. Identify the specific challenge you want to address and how AI might help.

November 10 - 18, 2025: Gather application materials. Update your CV, collect work samples, and draft your motivation statement.

November 18 - 22, 2025: Finalize and refine your application. Have colleagues review your materials for clarity and completeness.

Before November 23, 2025: Submit your completed application. Dont wait until the final hours - technical problems can prevent submission.

December 2025 - January 2026: Selection process. Short-listed candidates may be contacted for interviews.

Early 2026: Fellowship begins. Selected fellows start the 10-month program.

Throughout 2026: Training sessions, mentorship, and project development. Work happens through virtual sessions and in-person workshops.

Late 2026: Project completion and presentations. Fellows share their work and celebrate achievements.

Required Materials

Completed application form: Fill out all sections of the official application thoroughly.

Curriculum vitae: Updated CV showing your journalism experience and qualifications.

Work samples: Examples of your journalism work demonstrating quality and relevance.

Motivation statement: Essay explaining why you want to participate, what project you envision, and how the fellowship fits your professional goals.

Proof of employment or affiliation: Documentation of your current journalism work.

Language proficiency: Evidence of English ability if not your first language.

References: Contact information for professional references who can speak to your journalism work.

What Makes an Application Stand Out

Clear project concept (30%): Is there a specific, achievable project idea? Does it address a real problem? Is the connection to AI appropriate and realistic?

Journalism track record (25%): Does the applicant have substantial journalism experience? Is there evidence of quality work and commitment to the profession?

Motivation and fit (20%): Does the motivation statement convey genuine interest in AI and media integrity? Is there clear connection between the applicant and the programs goals?

Potential for impact (15%): Will the applicant bring learnings back to their newsroom and community? Is there potential for broader influence beyond individual participation?

Collaborative orientation (10%): Does the applicant show ability to work with peers across cultures and countries? Is there evidence of teamwork and knowledge sharing?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Vague project ideas. Wanting to learn about AI isnt a project. Develop a specific concept that addresses a concrete challenge.

Ignoring the regional focus. The program serves Southern Africa specifically. Applications should reflect understanding of the regional context.

Overpromising AI capabilities. Realistic projects are more credible than grandiose claims about AI solving all problems.

Underestimating time commitment. Ten months is substantial. Dont apply unless you can genuinely commit.

Generic motivation statements. Tailor your statement to the Dialogue Fund specifically. Generic language about professional development is less compelling.

Poor quality work samples. Include your best work. Weak samples undermine otherwise strong applications.

Missing deadlines. November 23 is firm. Late applications are typically not considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible? Journalists from Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zambia with English proficiency and newsroom experience.

Do I need AI expertise? No prior AI knowledge is required. The program provides training. Interest and curiosity matter more than existing technical skills.

What is the time commitment? 10 months of engagement including virtual sessions, project work, and in-person workshops.

Is the €4,000 a monthly payment? The stipend is distributed across the fellowship period. Specific payment schedules are provided to selected fellows.

Will I need to travel? Yes, in-person workshops are part of the program. Travel costs are covered by DW Akademie.

What kind of projects are expected? Projects should address media integrity challenges using AI approaches. Examples include verification tools, training programs, or detection systems for misinformation.

Can I participate while employed? Yes, most fellows balance the fellowship with regular work. Discuss with your employer if needed.

Is the fellowship fully virtual? Its hybrid. Most work happens virtually, but in-person workshops bring fellows together at various points.

What language is the program in? English is the working language for all activities.

How to Apply

Ready to apply for the DW Akademie Dialogue Fund 2025? Heres your path forward.

Confirm your eligibility. Verify you are based in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, or Zambia and have journalism experience.

Develop your project concept. Identify a specific challenge where AI could strengthen media integrity in your context.

Prepare application materials. Update your CV, gather work samples, and draft your motivation statement.

Complete the official application form. Ensure all sections are filled thoroughly.

Submit before November 23, 2025. Early submission avoids last-minute technical problems.

For complete guidelines and application access: https://www.dw.com/en/dw-akademie/dialogue-fund/s-64818608

Questions? Contact DW Akademie for assistance with eligibility or application requirements.