The WHO & CJID Launch African Road Safety Reporting Forum 2026 is a groundbreaking opportunity for journalists in Africa to enhance their reporting skills on road safety and public health issues. The deadline for applications is July 10, 2026, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. This initiative aims to address one of Africa’s most pressing yet underreported public health crises — road traffic crashes and fatalities — by developing the continent’s first-ever editorial and reporting guidelines focused specifically on road safety reporting.
About the Opportunity
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) have collaborated to launch the African Road Safety Reporting Forum, a high-level three-day gathering scheduled to take place in Abuja, Nigeria, in September 2026. The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health, and the CJID is a leading organization in the field of journalism innovation and development. The purpose of this initiative is to strengthen journalism practices around road safety reporting and improve public understanding of road crashes as preventable public health and governance challenges, which is crucial for Africans as it will help reduce the number of road traffic crashes and fatalities on the continent.
Road safety is a critical issue in Africa, where the number of road traffic crashes and fatalities is alarmingly high. According to the WHO, the African region has the highest road traffic fatality rate per 100 million vehicles per year, with an estimated 1.35 million people dying every year as a result of road traffic crashes. This initiative matters for Africans as it will help raise awareness about road safety and promote evidence-based reporting on this critical issue, which is essential for preventing road crashes and reducing the number of fatalities.
The African Road Safety Reporting Forum will bring together 20 editors, journalists, and media influencers from across Africa to develop the continent’s first-ever editorial and reporting guidelines focused specifically on road safety reporting. This will be achieved through a series of workshops, training sessions, and discussions, where participants will work directly with WHO technical experts, leading African editors, media development specialists, and public health communication professionals. The outcome of this initiative will be a comprehensive set of guidelines that will help journalists and media organizations in Africa to report on road safety issues in a more accurate, informative, and engaging way.
Who Can Apply
The WHO & CJID Launch African Road Safety Reporting Forum 2026 is open to editors, journalists, and media influencers from Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, and potentially other African countries.
- Applicants must be working journalists or editors with a strong interest in road safety reporting and a proven track record of reporting on public health issues.
- Applicants must have a good understanding of the media landscape in their respective countries and be familiar with the challenges and opportunities of reporting on road safety issues.
- Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in English, as the forum will be conducted in English.
- Applicants must be available to attend the three-day forum in Abuja, Nigeria, in September 2026, and be committed to implementing the skills and knowledge gained during the forum in their future reporting.
What You Will Gain
By participating in the WHO & CJID Launch African Road Safety Reporting Forum 2026, journalists and media influencers will gain a range of benefits that will enhance their reporting skills and knowledge on road safety issues.
- Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of road safety reporting and the role that journalists can play in promoting road safety awareness and preventing road crashes.
- Participants will learn how to report on road safety issues in a more accurate, informative, and engaging way, using evidence-based approaches and innovative storytelling techniques.
- Participants will have the opportunity to network with other journalists and media influencers from across Africa, and to share their experiences and best practices in road safety reporting.
- Participants will receive training and mentorship from WHO technical experts, leading African editors, media development specialists, and public health communication professionals, which will help them to develop their skills and knowledge in road safety reporting.
Application Deadline
Do not miss this opportunity to enhance your reporting skills and knowledge on road safety issues. The deadline for applications is July 10, 2026. Start your application early to ensure that you do not miss the chance to participate in this groundbreaking initiative.
How to Apply for WHO & CJID Launch African Road Safety Reporting Forum 2026 for Journalists in Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ethiopia & South Africa
To apply for the WHO & CJID Launch African Road Safety Reporting Forum 2026, follow these steps: first, review the eligibility criteria to ensure that you meet the requirements. Next, prepare your application, which should include a brief statement outlining your interest in road safety reporting and your experience in reporting on public health issues. Then, submit your application through the online portal, which can be accessed through the official website. Finally, wait for the selection committee to review your application and notify you of the outcome.
Apply directly here: Click here to apply
Final Thoughts
The WHO & CJID Launch African Road Safety Reporting Forum 2026 is a unique opportunity for journalists and media influencers in Africa to enhance their reporting skills and knowledge on road safety issues. By participating in this initiative, you will be contributing to a critical effort to promote road safety awareness and prevent road crashes in Africa. Do not miss this chance to make a difference — apply now and take the first step towards becoming a leading voice in road safety reporting in Africa.
