Through our experience with awards, scholarship, and training programmes, we have gathered a list of frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not on this list, please contact us.

1. Why is INMA running the Africa Elevate Scholarship programme?

Based on feedback from INMA members in Africa, a big part of media company workforces lack sufficient on-the-job training or adequate college education to fully embrace the digital transformation that is transforming the relationship between audiences and news brands. This scholarship is a down payment in that educational process — especially for professionals who see news media as a long-term career.

2. How will applicants be judged and prioritised?

The class of 75 professionals will be selected by a jury of African news media executives based on the published criteria, the quality of the application, the aspirations and skill set of the applicant, and the need for continuing education.

3. Am I required to attend the four livestreams, or will viewing the recordings be good enough?

You will receive digital certification only by participation of all four livestreams, which Zoom will report to us. Otherwise, you have access to the recordings at your leisure. No exceptions to this requirement.

4. Can friends, family, or work associates join the training modules?

If your application is selected, know that this programme is for you – and you alone. The recording will be available to you in a password-protected area that we will share with you after each module.

5. I have attended INMA and other news industry conferences in Africa and internationally. Does that help my application?

Actually, that hurts your application. We are seeking applicants who otherwise have not gotten sufficient training thus far in their careers – in-person or virtually. This programme is part of how we aim to elevate Africa.

6. Can I apply if I do not work for a news media company, but I work for a solution provider that services the news media industry?

No. The Elevate Scholarship is specifically for professionals who work at news media companies.

7. Is there an age limit on the programme application?

Yes. You must be under the age of 35 as of the application deadline date of May 29, 2025. If you are 35 are older on that date, you do not qualify for this programme.

8. I am a journalist who wants to become a better journalist or, perhaps, an editor through this programme. Do I qualify?

Generally, no. INMA is not a journalism organisation. We are an organisation that supports the business of journalism. So we are looking for applicants who want to learn more about the business and aspire to work in that capacity — either now or in the future. For example, audience development, product & tech, data, marketing, advertising, or even general management. The learnings in this programme bend toward this side of the news business.

9. Why are you prioritising applicants who want to be in the news media industry in the long-term? Why does that matter?

Technology is rapidly changing the news business, and we want to prioritise applicants who are young enough and hungry enough to potentially guide our industry through the digital transformation process.

10. What can I practically do once this programme is completed?

You can say you were one of 75 professionals selected. If you complete all four live modules, you will receive digital certification. These are achievements for your CV. You will connect with peers via the livestream and WhatsApp group. And, long-term, you will join an alumni club of INMA Africa scholarship recipients.

11. Can I apply if I do not work for a news media company, but I work for a solution provider or academia that services the news media industry? Or, perhaps, I am not currently working at a media company.

No. The Africa Elevate Scholarship programme is specifically for people who are currently employed at news media companies.

12. What types of positions are considered below senior management level?

The answer to this question varies greatly by company. If within your organisation’s structure, you consider yourself to be below the executive or senior level, then definitely apply. If you have doubts about if you qualify, please contact doreen.mbaya@inma.org.

13. When is the application deadline, and when will be winners be announced?

The application deadline is Wednesday, April 16, and class participants will be announced Thursday, May 29.