Through our experience with awards, scholarship, and training programmes, we have gathered a list of frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not on this list, please contact us.
1. Why is INMA running the Africa Emerging Leaders programme?
We want to reward aptitude, excellence, and leadership potential within the confines of our mission to Elevate Africa. We want to engage with African media companies, which are constantly looking for next-generation leaders – especially in light of digital transformation. And we want to encourage leaders to stay in media.
2. How will applicants be judged and prioritised?
The 25 professionals will be selected by a jury of news media executive in Africa based on the published criteria, the quality of the application, and the aspirations and skill set of the applicant. We also are looking for a diverse class of recipients reflective of many African companies and countries and not concentrated in any one region. We seek the “best of the best” who are not yet in senior management ranks.
3. Can more than one person from my media company apply?
Yes, more than one person at your company may apply. But more than likely, no more than one person will be selected for the programme.
4. How does Africa Emerging Leaders differentiate from other INMA programmes for young professionals, and is participation in those programmes a disqualifier for Africa Emerging Leaders?
The Africa Emerging Leaders programme has a narrower focus with fewer restrictions. Scholarship and award recipients from INMA Elevate Africa Scholarships, INMA global Elevate Scholarships, and INMA “30 Under 30” Awards are also welcome to apply for Africa Emerging Leaders.
5. I have attended INMA and other news industry conferences in Africa and internationally. Does that help my application?
It could help your application as judges might view this as a signal that your company thinks highly enough of you to represent them at industry conferences. We do, however, want to leave the door open to those companies that might not have resourcing to do this.
6. Is there an age limit on the programme application
Yes. You must be under the age of 40 as of the application deadline date of October 3, 2025. If you are 40 are older on that date, you do not qualify for this programme.
7. In the Qualifications, you mention “below senior management.” How might INMA define this?
The answer to this question varies greatly by company. If within your organisation’s structure, you consider yourself to be below the executive or senior level, then definitely apply. If you have doubts about if you qualify, please contact doreen.mbaya@inma.org.
8. You ask whether I aspire to be CEO? How literal is INMA about this as it doesn’t appear in the official Qualifications?
We are seeking applicants who understand both journalism and the business of journalism. We are seeking future CEOs, c-suite leaders, owners, board members, shareholders who look across the total news media company enterprise – not just a department.
9. What can I do with this programme in the short-term and long-term?
Short-term, the core values are access to global training in 2026 and recognition. In the long-term, your selection likely will have an impact on your career, your CV, and your job prospects. We want to build an alumni programme where peers, over time, can keep in touch.
10. Am I required to attend the INMA master classes
No. Yet if you want to receive digital certification, you must attend. Otherwise, you will have access to the master class recordings at your leisure.