Applications have opened for the 2026 CivicHive Creative Changemakers Fellowship (CCMF), a three-month programme aimed at supporting emerging Nigerian creatives who use storytelling, media and art to advance civic engagement, democratic participation and social change.

The fellowship will select 15 emerging creatives with an interest in civic engagement, accountability, transparency and creative approaches to improving governance for citizens.

Running from September to November 2026, the programme will combine virtual learning with in-person creative labs, mentorship and hands-on production. Participants will strengthen their creative and research capabilities while developing evidence-based work focused on real social issues.

The Creative Changemakers Fellowship highlights the increasing contribution of creatives to shaping public narratives, promoting civic engagement, demanding accountability, mobilising citizens, raising awareness of social issues, addressing misinformation, supporting democratic participation and using storytelling and media to drive social change.

Applicants must be Nigerian and demonstrate a passion for social and civic issues in Nigeria. They are also required to have evidence of using media for mass action and awareness, commit to the three-month hybrid fellowship and be available for approximately 8 hours of sessions each week.

Selected fellows will receive in-depth training on social issues and civic engagement, as well as training on navigating the complexities of development in Nigeria. The programme will also provide advanced capacity building in content creation, research, data and media ethics.

Other benefits include mentorship from leading creators in Nigeria, a monthly stipend throughout the fellowship, and a soft grant for outstanding fellows to support content development. Participants will also be inducted into the Creative Changemakers Fellowship and gain practical experience producing evidence-based creative work on real social issues.

The opportunity is particularly suited to emerging Nigerian creatives working in or interested in storytelling, digital media, content creation, journalism and research, art, civic communication, social advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and creative approaches to governance and accountability.

The programme is structured around four key components. Virtual learning will provide training on civic issues, research, content creation and media ethics. In-person creative labs will allow fellows to develop and refine their ideas, while mentorship will connect participants with experienced Nigerian creators.

Through hands-on production, fellows will put their learning into practice by developing evidence-based creative work focused on relevant social issues.

Interested applicants can access further information and application details through the official CivicHive Creative Changemakers Fellowship webpage.

Official CivicHive Creative Changemakers Fellowship Page

Source: MSME Africa Online.