Global Investigative Journalism Heavyweights Converge on Africa for Elite Masterclass

Johannesburg, South Africa – In a major boost to investigative journalism in Africa, 24 top journalists from 13 countries have been selected for an intensive masterclass on digital forensics and investigative techniques. Women-led organisations also top the list including the ED of LightRay! Media, Ejiro Umukoro, Blessing Oladunjoye of BONews Service from Nigeria.

The African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC), in partnership with Norway’s SKUP and global investigative powerhouse Bellingcat, will host the three-day training session from October 27-29, ahead of the annual AIJC conference.

Over 900 applications poured in from renowned media outlets, investigative organizations, and fact-checking groups worldwide. The 2024 masterclass fellows hail from Egypt, Cameroon, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, Tanzania, Senegal, DRC, Somalia, and Zimbabwe.

These award-winning investigative reporters, editors, and trainers will gain expertise in cutting-edge digital forensics, including OSINT tools, geolocation, and verification methods. Bellingcat trainers Youri van der Weide, Eman El-Sherbiny, and Aiganysh Aidarbekova will lead the sessions.

“The quality of applicants was exceptional,” said Izak Minnaar, AIJC training coordinator. “We’re excited to empower these talented journalists with the latest investigative tools.”

The masterclass participants will also attend the AIJC conference, featuring over 20 training sessions and keynote speakers from around the world.

2024 AIJC Masterclass Fellows:

1. Ahmed Ashour (Egypt) – Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism
2. Aïsha Moyouzame (Cameroon) – i-30s
3. Ajibola Amzat (South Africa) – Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism
4. Alyaa Abo Shahba (Egypt) – Freelance
5. Blessing Oladunjoye (Nigeria) – BONews Service
6. Cece Siago (Kenya) – Nation Media Group
7. Ejiro Umukoro (Nigeria) – LightRay! Media
8. Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi (Nigeria) – The Colonist Report Africa
9. Emma Black Kamara (Sierra Leone) – STEAM Reporting Network
10. Emmanuel K Dogbevi (Ghana) – Ghana Business News
11. Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh (Liberia) – New Narratives
12. Joy Kirigia (Kenya) – Africa Uncensored
13. Joyce Bazira Kasagara (Tanzania) – Women Writers Forum
14. Kunle Adebajo (Nigeria) – HumAngle
15. Lulu Brenda Harris (Zimbabwe) – Center for Innovation and Technology
16. Mariama Thiam (Senegal) – Dubawa/Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development
17. Narcisse Lokwa Mbunzama (DRC) – Digital Security Group/Debunk
18. Omar Abdisalan Aden (Somalia) – Associated Press
19. Patrick Mayoyo (Kenya) – Eyewitness Media Group
20. Peter Kum (Cameroon) – Alwihda Info/Cameroon-Info Net
21. Pieter-Louis Myburgh (South Africa) – Daily Maverick
22. Silas Jonathan (Nigeria) – Dubawa/Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development
23. Susan Comrie (South Africa) – AmaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism
24. Tatenda Chitagu (Zimbabwe) – Freelance

“African journalists have once again demonstrated their thirst for advanced investigative skills, with an overwhelming response to this year’s AIJC masterclass,” noted AIJC Convenor Beauregard Tromp. “We’re thrilled to partner with SKUP and leverage Bellingcat’s expertise to deliver world-class training. This program is a testament to the dedication of African journalists in pursuing excellence.”

According to Wits Centre for Journalism Director Dr. Dinesh Balliah, “Our mission is to bridge the training gap for investigative journalists, particularly in contexts where data access is restricted. These masterclasses mark the beginning of our efforts to retool and empower journalists to stay ahead in the field.”

The AIJC 2024 Conference will be held on October 30 – November 1, 2024 at the Wits University, Johannesburg, South Africa.