South Africa accelerator program open to journalists

The Jamlab Accelerator Programme (JAP) is a six-month initiative for Sub-Saharan African journalists and media innovators.

The program offers journalists and media innovators a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expedite their initiatives by providing them with the resources, facilities, contacts, and support they need to turn ideas and ambitions into financially viable businesses or products.

The program is intended for those who are working on a project that has the potential to transform African media or journalism, as well as those who have abilities that can be applied to the production of new media.

During its previous accelerator program, twenty-nine (29) firms participated in six iterations, with six of them getting additional financing immediately following the program. From June to November 2023, the program will be in effect.

Benefits of the program

The teams selected will receive the following:

• Online coaching and mentoring from experienced media, startup, and technology experts and entrepreneurs.
• Free slots at the Wits Center for Journalism for a three-month Media Entrepreneurship course.
• Access to a development team for technical support.
• Opportunities to present an MVP (minimum viable product) to potential investors, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Access to a network that includes Programme Alumni but is not restricted to them.

Eligibility criteria

• Applicant must be from Africa
• Applicants must have a good command of the English language
• Must be committed and creative journalists and media makers who are passionate about fixing the gaps in sub-Saharan African media.
• Startups that want to create innovative products or services to serve new audiences or bring new conversations or ideas to the public.

Application process

• Applicants are to read all the Frequently Asked Questions.
• Take a look at previous startups on the accelerator program.
• Have a look at what their alumni say about the program.
• Complete this short application form to capture details and confirm eligibility and ability to participate.
• Applicants will be asked to write a short pitch setting out their idea for a new journalism start-up or describing an existing venture, and ideas for growing and developing it further.
• Applicants are to include in this pitch why and how the venture is innovating in the space
• They will also be asked to provide short resumes of the key team members including a line on each person’s role in the venture.

The deadline for applications is midnight (Central African Time), Friday 19 May 2023.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview on 7 June 2023.

More details can be found  here