The Black Atlantic Editorial Fellowship | How to Apply ($500 monthly stipend)
The Republic Announces the Black Atlantic Editorial Fellowship
Are you a journalist, editor, writer, or curator rooted in Africa’s storytelling traditions? Do you believe in the transformative power of narrative to reshape how we understand Blackness and the African experience? Then The Republic’s Black Atlantic Editorial Fellowship may be your next big leap.
This six-month editorial fellowship, launching in 2025, is tailored for early- to mid-career editorial professionals across the continent. It is designed not only to support original storytelling but also to build an expansive, pan-African editorial community that thinks deeply about identity, politics, culture, and craft.
Benefits of the Black Atlantic Editorial Fellowship
The Fellowship will support five fellows, each representing a different region of Africa—West, East, Southern, North, and Central. Each selected fellow will receive:
- $500 monthly stipend
- Mentorship, editorial support, and feedback from The Republic’s team
- The opportunity to commission two original essays monthly and write one story of their own each month
- A chance to host a public engagement event in their city
- Access to workshops, skill-building sessions, and a final digital symposium
Fellows will work remotely, so a reliable internet connection is essential.
What Is The Republic Looking For?
Fellows are expected to:
- Propose a theme aligned with one of The Republic’s eight focus areas—such as Art x Culture, Politics x Security, or Science x Technology
- Develop a clear and unique editorial identity for their regional division
- Show a strong editorial vision through their proposal and samples
If you’re unsure how to structure your proposal or outline your ambitions clearly, be sure to check out these 5 points to tick before writing your SOP for international universities—they’re equally useful when framing goals for fellowships like this one.
Eligibility Requirements for the Black Atlantic Editorial Fellowship
- Applicants must be based in Africa
- Must have at least 3 years of professional experience in editorial work or storytelling
- Open to editors, journalists, researchers, curators, and storytelling practitioners
- Must be able to commit to the full six-month fellowship
To apply, candidates must submit the following:
- A three-page proposal outlining their editorial focus and plan
- A 500-word statement of interest
- A CV
- Two samples of published work
- Contact info for two referees
The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. Lagos time on Sunday, 3rd August 2025. Selected applicants will be notified by September 2025.
Why This Fellowship Matters
This fellowship arrives at a pivotal moment for African storytelling. From climate crisis to governance, from Black diasporic identity to cultural renaissance, The Republic is creating space for stories that challenge, connect, and illuminate. It’s about giving voice—and editorial power—to those who are shaping the continent’s narrative future.
Preparing your documents? You might also want to polish your pitch and CV using this guide on how to creatively write a resume for your dream job—especially if you’re applying to editorial and storytelling opportunities like this.
Apply Now
Visit The Republic’s website to access the application form and learn more.