Maharat Foundation, in partnership with Free Press Unlimited, is launching a fellowship program on “Strengthening AI Literacy in Journalism in the MENA Region”, with the support of the European Union and the Government of the Netherlands.

A total of 20 journalists from Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Jordan will be selected to participate in this program.

Fellowship objectives:

The fellowship aims to strengthen the capacity of journalists to responsibly use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in journalism, and to report on AI, platform governance, and their implications for information integrity.

Fellowship components:

1. Training Workshops

Three online workshops (comprising six modules) will be delivered to 20 selected journalists. The training will focus on practical uses of AI in journalism, including research, verification, translation, transcription, detection of deepfakes, ethical standards, and emerging AI governance frameworks.

The modules will cover:

- Module 1: Introduction to AI in Journalism and Digital Information Ecosystems

- Module 2: AI-Assisted Research and Information Discovery

- Module 3: AI Tools for Transcription, Translation, and Content Production

- Module 4: Verification Techniques and Detection of Synthetic Media

- Module 5: Ethical Use of AI in Journalism

- Module 6: AI Governance, Platform Policies, and Journalism

2. Mentorship

Participants will receive editorial mentorship and guidance to support the development of stories related to AI, platform governance, and digital information ecosystems.

3. Story Production

Fellows will produce journalistic content in various formats, including articles, investigations, explainers, or multimedia pieces.

4. Peer Exchange

Participants will join a regional community of practice, enabling knowledge exchange and discussions on AI tools, ethical frameworks, and emerging digital challenges.

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

- ​Be individual journalists working with international or local media outlets, including mainstream media, digital media, media startups, innovative media initiatives, non-profit or for-profit media organizations, or as freelancers.

- Be based in Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, or Jordan.

- Have a media outlet willing to publish their story.

- Have an interest in covering issues related to the use of AI in journalism. 

- Be able to commit to the entire duration of the fellowship and production period.

Financial support:

Each selected fellow will receive a production fee of €500 to develop a journalistic story under the mentorship of Maharat Foundation trainers.

Duration of the fellowship:

The fellowship will run for three months, from May to July 2026. 

Application Deadline: May 4, 2026

How to Apply:

Please complete your application by filling out the Google Form by clicking here.

Applications can be submitted in Arabic, English, or French.

Note: The Google Form must be filled out with all necessary information and required documents.