Twenty-two journalists selected for the third cohort of the African Union Media Fellowship have concluded an intensive study tour in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, gaining first-hand insights into the operations of the African Union and key continental institutions.
The study tour formed a central component of the fellowship programme, which aims to strengthen African storytelling and equip journalists across the continent with the tools, networks and institutional knowledge needed to report more effectively on African development and governance issues.
The fellows were selected from more than 100,000 applicants and represent 18 African countries, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of Africa’s media landscape. (African Union) For 10 days in Ethiopia’s capital, widely regarded as the diplomatic capital of Africa, the fellows engaged with policymakers, toured continental institutions and explored historical landmarks that reflect Africa’s struggle, resilience and progress.
A key highlight of the visit was a tour of the African Union Commission headquarters, where the fellows interacted with senior officials and gained deeper insights into how the continental body coordinates policies and programmes across its 55 member states.
During the engagement, the fellows held discussions with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf focusing on the critical role of journalism in promoting transparency, strengthening democratic governance and connecting African citizens to continental institutions.
Officials emphasized the importance of responsible and solutions-driven journalism in advancing the goals of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s long-term blueprint for building “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its own citizens.”
The fellows also visited the headquarters of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, where they interacted with public health experts and communication specialists working on disease surveillance, health security and emergency preparedness across the continent.
The visit provided fellows, especially those participating in the programme’s newly introduced public health reporting track an opportunity to understand how credible journalism can strengthen public awareness and trust during health emergencies and pandemics.
Beyond policy engagements, the study tour also exposed the fellows to Ethiopia’s rich history and cultural heritage.
One of the key stops was the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, a historic monument commemorating Ethiopia’s landmark victory over invading Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. The site stands as a powerful symbol of African resistance and independence.
The fellows also explored other cultural and innovation sites across Addis Ababa, deepening their understanding of Ethiopia’s history, governance structures and evolving development landscape.
The African Union Media Fellowship was launched to strengthen ethical journalism, promote cross-border collaboration among African media professionals and challenge dominant narratives about the continent.
The programme is implemented by the African Union’s Information and Communication Directorate with support from key development partners including the European Union, UNESCO, and the German development agency GIZ, which provide technical and financial support for training, mentorship and study tours.
Over the course of the 16-month fellowship, the journalists will receive advanced professional training, mentorship from experienced media leaders and opportunities to produce cross-border stories that highlight Africa’s innovations, challenges and development priorities.
For many of the fellows, the Addis Ababa study tour marked an important milestone in their journey to deepen their understanding of the continent’s institutions and strengthen their role as storytellers shaping Africa’s global narrative.
By connecting journalists directly with continental leaders, policymakers and institutions, the programme seeks to bridge the gap between African citizens and the African Union while ensuring that the continent’s stories are increasingly told by Africans, from African perspectives, and for global audiences.
