Applications are open for the first NAMIP Innovation Challenge for Nigerian media. Winners will be awarded up to $50,000 for their project and join NAMIP’s three-year innovation and capacity building program.
Nigeria Media Innovation Program (NAMIP), a three-year capacity-support initiative for independent media in Nigeria, is seeking applications from organisations that are building innovative news and information products that connect with broader audiences through digital platforms and technologies or are developing new revenue generation opportunities or sustainable business models.
Winners will be awarded up to $50,000 for their project and have access to a range of capacity building activities, including mentorship and training, as well as joining NAMIP’s supportive community of like-minded organisations.
Applications are invited from existing independent media companies, non-profit media and new ventures that have projects that address one or more of the following focus areas:
Digital native products: New approaches to collecting news and information, and to reporting, storytelling and distribution, that embrace the possibilities of technology.
Reaching rural communities: Innovative approaches to reach that empower people outside of major urban areas and those generally underserved by existing news media.
Engaging people in official languages that are underserved: Attempts to engage and distribute content to communities in vernacular languages that are underserved.
Technology innovation for distribution: New media technology that distributes local news in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
New Revenue opportunities: Innovative solutions to revenue challenges that media companies face – how can we open up new revenue streams to make media organisations more sustainable and independent.
Transition to digital: Finding and implementing solutions, products or processes that assist legacy media to transform their businesses.
Applicants should be mission-driven companies and organisations passionate about trying new approaches to local news and information. They may be an established for-profit or non-profit organisation, or a new venture that is just kicking off. NAMIP encourages applicants who don’t have traditional journalism and media backgrounds, particularly from the areas of technology, design and business.
Apply here.
About NAMIP
Nigeria Media Innovation Program (NAMIP) is a three-year initiative created by MDIF to increase capacity, generate sustainable and diverse revenue streams, and build audiences of independent media in Nigeria, particularly those reaching underserved communities. Launched in February 2022, it seeks to support the editorial independence of media organisations by strengthening their financial sustainability.