Sahara Group has opened applications for its Asharami Square Energy Reporting Fellowship, a programme designed to enhance energy journalism across Africa. The initiative targets practising journalists working in print, broadcast, digital, and multimedia platforms.
Fellowship Details and Prize
The overall winner will receive a $3,500 cash prize, with the total fellowship package valued at up to $5,000. Participants will gain access to expert-led masterclasses, mentorship sessions, facility tours, and opportunities to interact with professionals in the energy sector, according to Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, lead assessor for the inaugural fellowship.
Ogwezzy-Ndisika, speaking on Wednesday, emphasised that the future of Africa's energy sector depends not only on infrastructure, funding, and policy reforms but also on how effectively journalists inform the public about the continent's energy challenges and opportunities.
Promoting Solutions Journalism
The professor urged journalists to move beyond conventional problem-focused reporting and adopt solutions journalism, which investigates responses to energy challenges and examines their effectiveness. The fellowship aims to transform journalists from mere observers of Africa's energy problems into active contributors to conversations around sustainable energy development.
"Journalists must not settle for shallow headlines. They should trace the funding, critique the technology, interrogate the policies and highlight the responses transforming Africa's energy landscape," she said.
Ogwezzy-Ndisika clarified that solutions journalism should not be confused with advocacy or public relations. Instead, she described it as evidence-based reporting that prioritises accountability, rigorous scrutiny, and measurable outcomes.
Five Criteria for Entries
Bethel Obioma, Head of Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, said the fellowship reflects the company's belief that journalism has an important role in shaping Africa's energy future. The continent needs reporting that does more than highlight its energy deficits by examining practical responses and helping audiences understand the forces shaping the sector, he added.
Obioma stated that Sahara Group hopes to support journalists capable of producing evidence-based stories that can contribute to better policy decisions, investment, and development outcomes.
Entries will be assessed based on five key areas: integrity and accuracy, originality and research depth, balance and context, solutions-focused rigour, and practical impact. Assessors will give priority to stories backed by credible data and strong fact-checking, as well as reports that uncover under-reported perspectives and demonstrate tangible real-world impact.
Focus Areas and Application Deadline
The Asharami Square Energy Reporting Fellowship focuses on key areas including energy access, infrastructure, financing, sustainability, innovation, and policy. Sahara Group said the programme forms part of its broader commitment to supporting people and platforms capable of contributing to Africa's development through informed public discourse and practical solutions.
African journalists interested in participating have been encouraged to apply through the Asharami Square Fellowship website before the November 30, 2026 deadline.
