INMA Elevate Africa Initiative Emerging Leaders Program 2025

If you work in news media in Africa and you’re not yet in senior management, this programme gives you access to leadership training, peer networks, and recognition that can help position you for higher roles. INMA is trying to build the next generation of media leaders who understand both journalism and the business of news in the digital age.

What’s Included (Benefits)

Access to three global virtual master classes hosted by INMA.
Several virtual modules, plus recordings of those modules.
Networking / peer introductions with the 2025 INMA Scholarship class.
Certification after completing all required modules / attending a conference.
A social badge for being part of the class.
One-year individual membership in INMA.
Inclusion in the Emerging Leaders Alumni programme.

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet all of these:

Requirement	Details
Employed by a news media organisation in Africa	Full-time role, not freelance/ownership.
Below senior management ranks	If you’re in a role considered below executive/senior management.
Under age 40 at the application deadline (Oct 3, 2025)	Applicants aged 40 or over are not eligible.
Based full-time in Africa	Must live and work in Africa permanently (or at least full-time) for the role.
Aspiring to learn the business side of news	Must show interest in journalism + sustainability / financial aspects of media.
Not part of ownership	Owners, or stakeholders in the media company, are ineligible.

Key Dates & Application Details

Application Deadline: October 3, 2025
Selection Announcement: December 4, 2025
Number of Participants: 25 emerging leaders will be selected for the 2025 class.
Cost: No application fee. In fact, participation benefits are provided without cost.

Tips for Strong Applications

Show dual interest: INMA values those who love journalism and understand that sustainability requires business skills. Talk about both.
Use concrete examples: If you’ve taken part in projects related to digital transformation, audience development, subscription models, or revenue generation, highlight them. These areas are central to what INMA is trying to address.
Clarify where you stand in management: If you’re uncertain whether your role counts as “senior management,” explain your reporting line or scope so assessors can tell your level.
Peer & region diversity helps: Because INMA wants the cohort to reflect multiple countries in Africa and various media types and sizes, showing how you bring unique perspectives or features from your location can be an advantage.
Engage with virtual learning environments: If you have experience with online modules, webinars, or virtual conferences, mention that. Being able to participate well in virtual settings is important.
Follow up on commitments: If you say you’ll attend all master classes or complete all modules, ensure those are realistic given your other responsibilities.

How to Apply

Go to the official INMA Africa Emerging Leaders programme page: INMA Emerging Leaders (INMA)
Look for the application form (usually under “Apply” or “Submit Application”) before the deadline.
Prepare your application: personal info + role + aspirations + examples of relevant work + why you want to lead media in the digital age.
Submit before October 3, 2025.