The KESSA Young Pan-African Storytellers Programme 2026 is a prestigious continental initiative designed to identify, support, and elevate a new generation of African storytellers who are redefining how Africa is seen, understood, and remembered. KESSA is for Africans who write, film, create, research, document, perform, and communicate stories that reflect the depth, complexity, creativity, and future of the continent.
KESSA is a joint initiative of the UM6P Story School and the French-African Foundation, bringing together academic excellence, creative innovation, and cultural leadership. The programme is built on the belief that storytelling is a powerful tool for social transformation, cultural preservation, and global influence. By investing in storytellers, KESSA invests in Africa’s voice.
The name KESSA, meaning “story” in Arabic and in several African dialects, captures the heart of the programme: amplifying narratives that connect people, challenge stereotypes, inspire change, and shape a bold and authentic African future.
Programme Overview
Each year, KESSA selects 30 outstanding African storytellers from across the continent and the diaspora to participate in an immersive, high-impact storytelling experience hosted at the UM6P Story School campus in Morocco. The programme brings together creatives and thinkers from diverse disciplines, creating a dynamic space where ideas, cultures, and narratives intersect.
During an intensive six-day immersive week, participants engage in masterclasses, hands-on workshops, collaborative productions, and high-level conversations with leading African and international voices in storytelling, media, culture, science, and innovation. The experience is designed to strengthen participants’ creative identities, expand their narrative tools, and increase the reach and impact of their work.
KESSA is not just a training programme—it is a platform for visibility, collaboration, and long-term influence, empowering participants to tell African stories with confidence, originality, and global relevance.
Who Can Apply? (Selection Criteria)
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 25 and 40 years old
- Have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in their field
- Demonstrate a strong creative or narrative practice (written, visual, audio, digital, or performative)
- Have an active and engaged audience connected to Africa or African narratives
- Contribute to a positive, structured, and transformative African narrative
- Show strong potential for impact, leadership, and influence within their field
Selection is competitive and based on talent, originality, experience, narrative vision, and potential for continental or global impact.
For more update >>>
Applications Open: 2026 West Africa Midwifery Leadership Journey (Fully Funded)
Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026
Who Is KESSA For?
KESSA is open to Africans who are actively shaping and advancing African narratives across different sectors, including but not limited to:
Creators
- Artists, filmmakers, writers, photographers
- Designers, performers, visual artists
Idea Makers
- Researchers, scientists, academics
- Intellectuals, innovators, thinkers
Media Voices
- Journalists, broadcasters, podcasters
- Media producers, hosts, editors
Digital Storytellers
- Content creators, influencers
- Communication experts, digital strategists
Impact Builders
- Cultural entrepreneurs
- Social change leaders, community builders
The programme values diversity of disciplines, languages, perspectives, and storytelling formats, recognizing that Africa’s story is multi-layered and best told through many voices.
Programme Benefits
Immersive Experience in Morocco
Dates: March 23 – 28, 2026
Participants will attend a fully immersive storytelling experience at the UM6P Story School campus, designed to spark creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
Masterclasses
Led by renowned African and international experts, covering:
- Storytelling and narrative strategy
- Creative and literary writing
- Visual and audiovisual narration
- Journalism and media ethics
- Digital culture and online storytelling
- Scientific and data-driven storytelling
- Narrative leadership and cultural influence
Hands-On Workshops
Practical sessions focused on:
- Audiovisual and multimedia production
- 360° and immersive storytelling
- Creative identity and personal branding
- Collaborative and cross-disciplinary creation
Inspiring Encounters
Direct engagement with:
- Artists and cultural leaders
- Journalists and media professionals
- Researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs
- African and international creators shaping global narratives
Co-Creation Projects
Participants will collaborate to produce original creative works, such as:
- Short films or videos
- Podcasts or audio stories
- Written or visual pieces
- Artistic or multimedia productions
These works reflect shared African perspectives and innovative storytelling approaches.
Visibility & Pan-African Reach
- Pan-African distribution of selected productions
- Increased visibility for participants and their work
- Recognition as part of an elite continental network of storytellers
Why KESSA Matters
In a world where narratives shape power, perception, and policy, KESSA recognizes that Africa must tell its own stories—on its own terms. The programme empowers storytellers to challenge outdated narratives, spotlight innovation and resilience, and contribute to a future-focused African identity.
KESSA alumni become part of a growing Pan-African storytelling community, connected beyond the programme through collaboration, influence, and shared purpose.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications online before January 5, 2026, through the official application link: https://kessa.africa/en/
Applicants are typically required to provide:
- Personal and professional background information
- Evidence of creative or narrative work
- A statement outlining their storytelling vision and impact
- Links or samples of previous work
Early preparation is strongly encouraged.
If you are a young African storyteller with a powerful voice, a strong body of work, and a vision for transforming how Africa is represented and understood, the KESSA Young Pan-African Storytellers Programme 2026 is an opportunity to refine your craft, expand your reach, and join a continental movement of narrative changemakers.