PUNCH journalist, 40 others win INMA’s scholarship

Hannah Johnson, a correspondent with PUNCH Digital, is among 41 African media professionals awarded the Africa Elevate 2026 Scholarship by the International News Media Association (INMA). The scholarship aims to recognize and cultivate a new generation of media talent across the continent.

The awardees were chosen from a competitive pool of 114 applicants from various African countries. They represent a wide spectrum of the media industry, including broadcasters, publishers, digital-first startups, audience engagement teams, newsroom innovators, social media strategists, and emerging leaders navigating the evolving media landscape.

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Recipients come from across Eastern, Western, Southern and Northern Africa and include professionals from both established media organisations and emerging digital-native platforms.

Earl Wilkinson, Executive Director and CEO of INMA, described the recipients as an exciting new generation of media thinkers. "Recipients come from across Eastern, Western, Southern and Northern Africa and include professionals from both established media organisations and emerging digital-native platforms," he stated. Wilkinson added that the future of African media will be shaped by leaders who can integrate journalism, audience strategy, technology, and sustainable business models.

The Elevate program is designed to expose participants to practical strategies and emerging trends in global media companies. It also aims to foster stronger professional networks within the African news media ecosystem. The program will be delivered virtually through live learning modules, industry insights, and peer engagement sessions coordinated by INMA.

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The future of African media will be shaped by leaders who can bridge journalism, audience strategy, technology, and sustainable business models. The Elevate finalists reflect an exciting generation of professionals thinking beyond traditional newsroom boundaries and preparing for a very different media future.