The INMA Africa Emerging Leaders programme aims to identify and recognise the next generation of news media leaders currently below today’s senior management ranks, providing bridges to global programming that will springboard them to future leadership.

Qualifications for selection include being under the age of 40, being employed by a news media organisation in Africa, and currently in a position below senior management level.

Selected from media professionals applying from 16 African countries, scholarship recipients were selected for their passion for the news industry, as well as a desire to learn and grow into a future leader in the industry.

“This cohort of African news media professionals is truly fueling the news media industry’s innovation in a rapidly changing environment,” said Earl J. Wilkinson, executive director and CEO of INMA. “The future for these emerging leaders in Africa is limitless. We’re proud to welcome them to INMA.”

Scholarship recipients receive a one-year individual membership to INMA, free access to three INMA virtual global master classes, networking opportunities, professional recognition, and a certificate. 

“Providing these kinds of opportunities is so important for the survival of journalism on the continent,” Doreen Mbaya, INMA Africa regional manager, said. “These emerging leaders exemplify the path forward for news organisations in Africa.”

The 17 professionals selected for the INMA Africa Emerging Leaders Scholarship are:

• Ololade Akinmurele, deputy editor, BusinessDay Media, Ltd., Nigeria.

• Abdelrahman Ellithy, CEO, Nogoom Masrya, Egypt.

• Karess Essiane, journalist and morning news anchor, CRTV, Cameroon.

• Florence Flomo, reporter/producer, Radio Bushrod 98.1FM, Liberia.

• Ayoub Guezzoul, chief commerce officer, Jeune Afrique Media Group, France.

• Nathan Guma, data journalist, The NewsHawks, Zimbabwe

• Salisu Ibrahim, head of desk (Hausa), Legit.ng, Nigeria.

• Joseph Jegede, digital journalist, Arise News, Nigeria.

• Masolo Mabonga, head of current affairs department, TUKO.co.ke, Kenya.

• Jacob Moronge, social media manager, Ruben FM/Moronge Managers, Kenya.

• Devereaux Morkel, content manager, Independent Media, South Africa.

• Jean de Dieu Nahabakomeye, programmes and partnerships director, Iris News, Burundi.

• Michael Ogbodu, broadcast journalist, Media General Ghana, Ghana.

• Daisy Okoti, research and impact editor, Nation Media Group, Kenya.

• Jade Rhode, human interest reporter, Briefly News South Africa, South Africa.

• Jean-Fraterne Ruyange, executive director, Streaming Asylum, Democratic Republic of Congo (based in Uganda).

• Wabwila Musongole, television producer (intern), Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Zambia.

The Emerging Leaders scholarship programme is part of INMA’s Elevate Africa Initiative, which aims to elevate Africa’s media professionals through regional training, empower young professionals via mentoring, and identify the next generation of media leaders.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .