JOHANNESBURG – Africa No Filter (ANF), a pan-African advocacy organization dedicated to transforming perceptions of the continent, has opened applications for its latest storytelling grant, offering African creatives an opportunity to produce compelling stories that challenge stereotypes and present a more balanced image of Africa.
The grant is designed to support journalists, filmmakers, photographers, writers, podcasters, digital content creators and other storytellers whose work highlights the continent's innovation, creativity, resilience and diverse cultures. Through financial support and mentorship, Africa No Filter aims to amplify authentic African voices and encourage narratives that move beyond traditional portrayals of conflict, poverty and crisis.
Since its establishment in 2020, Africa No Filter has funded hundreds of storytellers, media organizations and cultural institutions across Africa and the diaspora. The organization believes that changing how Africa is portrayed in local and international media can influence investment, tourism, policymaking and the confidence of young Africans themselves.
The latest storytelling grant forms part of the organization's broader effort to invest in creative talent capable of producing impactful stories across multiple formats, including documentaries, investigative journalism, photography, podcasts, literature and digital media. Selected applicants will receive financial support to develop projects that showcase Africa's opportunities, achievements and everyday experiences through fresh and engaging storytelling.
"Africa isn't broken. It's bold, brilliant, and bursting with opportunity. But first, the world needs to see it that way," Africa No Filter states in outlining its mission to transform narratives about the continent.
The organization says it is particularly interested in projects that challenge outdated assumptions and inspire audiences through stories of innovation, entrepreneurship, culture, science, technology, youth leadership and social progress. Rather than focusing solely on problems, successful proposals should demonstrate African agency, creativity and solutions to local and global challenges.
According to Africa No Filter, applicants should already have some experience producing creative work in their chosen field. While the grant welcomes emerging storytellers, applicants are expected to demonstrate a portfolio or previous work that reflects their commitment to narrative change and quality storytelling.
Depending on the funding programme, grants vary in value, with some initiatives supporting larger storytelling projects while the Kekere Storytellers Fund offers micro-grants of up to US$3,000 for emerging creatives. The organization also periodically provides project support, operational support and capacity-building grants for media houses, creative organizations and cultural institutions across Africa.
The initiative comes at a time when African creators are increasingly gaining international recognition through digital platforms, independent media and global streaming services. Experts argue that expanding funding opportunities for storytellers will help diversify the voices shaping conversations about Africa while creating sustainable careers within the continent's creative economy.
"The Kekere Storytellers Fund is Africa No Filter's way of ensuring that funding reaches artists, journalists and content creators who share our passion for telling better stories about Africa," the organization explains in its grant guidelines.
Creative industry stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, noting that access to funding remains one of the biggest barriers facing emerging African storytellers. By supporting original storytelling, they say the grant will encourage more creators to produce high-quality content capable of reaching both African and international audiences.
Interested applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and application guidelines through Africa No Filter's official grants portal before submitting their proposals. Successful projects are expected to contribute to a growing movement that celebrates Africa's diversity, innovation and potential while reshaping the global narrative surrounding the continent.