2025 CNN Academy Training Program is open to young storytellers from the Global South who are eager to make a difference through journalism.
Do you reside and work in a country located in the Global South which includes any developing country in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa and Asia? Then you can apply for the 2025 CNN Academy Training Program.
Read about the eligibility criteria, benefits and how to apply for the 2025 CNN Academy Training Program.
Also see: Afreximbank Flagship Accelerator Program (2025)
Summary of 2025 CNN Academy Training Program
| Host | CNN |
| Category | Training |
| Eligible Countries: | Developing Countries |
| Job Title | 2025 CNN Academy Training Program |
| Experience level | Previous work |
| Job location | Virtual Training and Abu Dhabi |
| End Date: | 23 June 2025 |
About the Summary of 2025 CNN Academy Training Program
The world is experiencing enormous health problems, ranging from epidemics and disease breakouts to the long-term consequences of humanitarian crises.
In this environment, we require a new breed of storytellers capable of reporting facts and telling urgent, human-centered stories that can raise awareness, accountability, and action.
These stories are not only global, but also intensely local.
They want storytellers who understand the cultural, political, and systemic aspects that influence health outcomes on the ground.
That is why this program invests in developing journalism from the Global South, including countries that are frequently at the centre of global health catastrophes yet are under-represented in coverage.
This curriculum will teach you how to uncover and tell the stories that matter, whether they are about vaccine fairness in Sub-Saharan Africa, humanitarian crises in conflict zones, or the resilience of frontline workers.
Academy Training Program Structure
Phase One: Virtual Training
From July to October 1st, 2025
The first component of the program is exclusively given online via the CNN Academy Hub. During this phase, participants will take a series of courses aimed at improving their storytelling abilities and broadening their understanding of global concerns, particularly those affecting the Global South.
Phase Two: In-Person Training and Simulation
November 2025, Abu Dhabi
The second phase begins with hands-on training in Abu Dhabi, where participants will learn about mobile journalism skills and storytelling strategies from CNN Academy’s top educators.
They will then take part in the 2025 CNN Academy Simulation, which will focus on global health reporting. This high-pressure, real-world simulation will allow participants to practise their abilities in a dynamic journalism environment while creating powerful stories.
Eligibility Criteria for 2025 CNN Academy Training Program
- Reside and work in a Global South country, which covers any developing country in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, or Asia.
- Identify as a content producer, journalist, or storyteller in the early phases of your career.
- Maintain a portfolio of relevant work.
- Possess excellent communication skills and fluency in both spoken and written English.
- Demonstrate a willingness to actively participate in the whole training session and apply newly acquired abilities to their reporting tasks.
- Be available and willing to go to Abu Dhabi for the CNN Academy Simulation in November 2025.
Mode of Application
Phase 1
- To apply for Phase One, you must submit a brief application that verifies your eligibility, detailing your background and why you are ideal for this course. Â
- If your application is approved, you will have access to the virtual courses and work towards obtaining your certificate of completion.
- If selected for Phase Two, applicants must provide samples of their past work.
- Proof of origin in a Global South country (designated as Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific, as well as some Caribbean regions).
How to Apply
Click on the apply now button below to apply online