The KESSA Young Pan-African Storytellers Program 2026 launches its inaugural edition, offering 30 talented African creators an immersive experience designed to elevate contemporary African narratives. This groundbreaking initiative brings together diverse storytelling voices to reshape how Africa is perceived and represented globally.
The Vision Behind KESSA
KESSA emerges from a powerful belief: transforming how Africa’s stories are told is itself an act of transformation. The name “KESSA,” meaning “story” in Arabic and various African languages, captures the program’s essence, amplifying narratives that resonate, connect communities, and drive meaningful change.
Why This Program Matters
Africa pulses with untold stories, emerging from its cities, creative studios, research laboratories, performance stages, and media platforms. Across the continent, powerful voices are crafting narratives that challenge stereotypes, inspire action, and reveal Africa’s dynamic evolution.
This program recognizes that these storytellers need platforms, networks, and advanced skills to maximize their impact. By supporting emerging talent at critical career junctures, KESSA aims to accelerate the development of a modern, bold, and authentic African narrative ecosystem.
Program Structure and Experience
Immersive Week in Morocco
Selected participants gather at the UM6P Story School campus from March 23-28, 2026, for six intensive days of learning, collaboration, and creation. This carefully designed experience combines multiple learning modalities:
Advanced Masterclasses
Expert-led sessions covering:
- Contemporary storytelling techniques across platforms
- Visual narrative design and execution
- Investigative and creative journalism approaches
- Digital culture and emerging media landscapes
- Scientific communication and data storytelling
- Narrative leadership for social impact
- Writing craft and creative development
Practical Workshop Sessions
Hands-on training in:
- Audiovisual content production from concept to completion
- 360-degree storytelling across multiple channels
- Building authentic creative identity and voice
- Collaborative production methodologies
- Cross-platform content adaptation
Meaningful Encounters
Direct engagement with accomplished professionals including:
- Established African and international artists
- Award-winning journalists and media innovators
- Cultural entrepreneurs driving creative economies
- Leading researchers and academic thought leaders
- Successful content creators with continental reach
Collaborative Creation
Participants work individually or in teams to produce original works, whether video documentaries, podcast series, written pieces, or artistic creations. These projects showcase learned skills while contributing to Africa’s creative output.
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Who Should Apply
KESSA seeks diverse storytellers actively shaping African narratives across multiple disciplines:
Creative Professionals
Artists, filmmakers, photographers, writers, graphic designers, and performers use creative expression to tell African stories in innovative ways.
Knowledge Producers
Researchers, scientists, academics, and innovators are translating complex ideas into accessible narratives that inform and inspire public understanding.
Media Practitioners
Journalists, radio/TV hosts, podcast producers, and documentary makers delivering news, analysis, and features that contextualize African realities.
Digital Storytellers
Content creators, social media influencers, and digital communication specialists are building engaged audiences around African themes and perspectives.
Social Impact Leaders
Cultural entrepreneurs, community organizers, and social change agents use storytelling to drive development, preserve heritage, or mobilize communities.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this competitive program, applicants must meet specific criteria:
Age and Experience
- Between 25 and 40 years old
- Minimum five years of professional experience in their respective field
- Demonstrated track record of creative or narrative work
Audience and Impact
- Active, engaged audience with clear African connections
- Evidence of contributing to positive, structured African narratives
- Strong potential for expanded impact and influence
Narrative Contribution
Candidates should demonstrate how their work advances transformative storytelling about Africa, whether through challenging stereotypes, highlighting innovation, preserving cultural heritage, or inspiring social change.
Comprehensive Program Benefits
World-Class Training Environment
Access to the UM6P Story School campus, a center of excellence dedicated to storytelling, media innovation, and creative development. The facility provides state-of-the-art equipment, production spaces, and learning environments.
Expert Faculty and Mentorship
Learn from accomplished professionals who have shaped narratives at continental and global levels. These mentors provide both technical guidance and strategic career insights.
Pan-African Network Building
Connect with 29 other talented storytellers from across Africa’s diverse regions, disciplines, and perspectives. These relationships often evolve into long-term collaborations, partnerships, and mutual support systems.
Content Production Support
Receive guidance and resources to produce professional-quality original work during the program, creating portfolio pieces that demonstrate your capabilities.
Ongoing Alumni Community
Join the KESSA alumni network after program completion, accessing:
- Continuing professional development opportunities
- Collaboration possibilities with fellow alumni
- Connections to funding sources and commissioning platforms
- Professional networking across the creative industries
- Visibility through alumni showcases and distributions
Pan-African Content Distribution
Selected productions receive distribution support across African media channels, providing exposure to continental audiences and potential commissioners.
Application Process and Timeline
Key Dates
- Applications Open: December 10, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 10, 2026 (midnight on the night of January 9)
- Laureate Announcement: February 23, 2026
- Program Dates: March 23-28, 2026
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the dedicated online platform. The submission should showcase your storytelling work, demonstrate your impact, and articulate your vision for African narratives.
Important Application Notes
- Early submission recommended, don’t wait until the final hours
- Ensure all portfolio materials are accessible and properly formatted
- Clearly articulate your audience reach and engagement metrics
- Demonstrate your unique contribution to African storytelling
- Explain how the program aligns with your professional trajectory
The Founding Partnership
UM6P Story School
A premier institution focused on storytelling excellence, media innovation, digital creativity, and narrative leadership. The school trains the voices that will articulate Africa’s ongoing transformations, combining technical skills with strategic thinking about media’s role in development.
French-African Foundation
A leading organization supporting emerging African and French leaders through initiatives promoting cooperation, creativity, and measurable impact. The Foundation connects talent with resources, networks, and opportunities for growth.
Together, these institutions bring complementary strengths, educational infrastructure, continental networks, international connections, and a shared commitment to elevating African narratives.
Program Philosophy
KESSA operates from three core principles:
Spotlight: Identifying and elevating creative voices that shift perspectives about Africa and African realities.
Support: Providing emerging talent with premium training, mentorship, and resources to accelerate their development.
Connect: Building a pan-African community where creators, thinkers, and storytellers support each other’s growth and collaborate across borders.
Why Apply Now
The inaugural cohort of any program holds special significance. First-edition participants help shape program culture, establish alumni network foundations, and often receive heightened attention as pioneers of a new initiative.
As African storytelling enters an exciting era, with growing platforms, expanding audiences, and increasing recognition of diverse African voices, this program positions participants at the forefront of this narrative revolution.
Long-Term Vision
KESSA aims to become a catalyst for transforming African storytelling ecosystems. By supporting talented storytellers at crucial career moments, the program accelerates the development of authentic, diverse, and impactful African narratives that resonate both continentally and globally.
Alumni will form a growing network of influential voices shaping how Africa is understood, represented, and engaged with worldwide. Through their work across journalism, arts, academia, digital media, and cultural entrepreneurship, they’ll collectively advance more nuanced, accurate, and inspiring portrayals of African realities.
Take Your Next Step
If you’re an emerging storyteller committed to advancing African narratives, this program offers unprecedented opportunities for growth, connection, and impact. Applications close January 10, 2026. Prepare your submission and join Africa’s narrative transformation.
The stories Africa tells about itself shape its future. Be part of telling those stories with skill, authenticity, and vision.
For more information, visit the KESSA Young Pan-African Storytellers Program.
