Connect & Create is the Sub-Saharan Africa component of the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Goethe-Institut and Expertise France, in partnership with the Institut français.
The programme aims to strengthen cultural cooperation between Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union by supporting artists and cultural professionals through training, professional exchanges, networking, mobility and collaboration.
One of its opportunities, the Connect & Create Relay, is an 11-month professional development programme for young communications professionals, including journalists, communication specialists, content creators, influencers and media presenters.
Participants will receive training and individual mentoring while supporting the communication activities of a Creative Tandem project in their country.
At a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Connect & Create |
| Opportunity | Connect & Create Relay |
| Opportunity Type | Training, Networking & Professional Development |
| Field | Communications, Journalism, Media & Content Creation |
| Duration | 11 months |
| Number of Participants | 16 |
| Eligible Countries | South Africa, Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Uganda, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Senegal |
| Experience Required | 2–5 years |
| Language | English or French |
| Age Requirement | Over 18 |
| Application Deadline | 13 October 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
About the Opportunity
Connect & Create is part of the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture programme, which seeks to develop stronger, more inclusive and sustainable cultural relationships between Africa and Europe.
The programme focuses particularly on performing arts and music while supporting international cooperation, professional mobility, cultural exchanges, networking and capacity building.
The Connect & Create Relay specifically targets young professionals working in communications, journalism, media and content creation.
Over an 11-month period, selected participants will develop their professional skills while contributing to the communication activities of a Creative Tandem project in their own country.
What Does the Programme Offer?
Selected participants will benefit from:
- Professional training
- 10 themed training sessions
- One-to-one mentoring
- Professional networking opportunities
- Practical experience supporting a Creative Tandem project
- Training in storytelling and communication
- Training related to social media and digital communication
- Editorial strategy and press relations training
- Opportunities to connect with cultural professionals from Africa and Europe
Who Should Apply?
The opportunity is intended for professionals working in areas such as:
- Journalism
- Communications
- Media
- Content creation
- Social media
- Influencing
- Media presentation
Applicants should have between 2 and 5 years of professional experience in communications, journalism, media or content creation.
Particular attention will be given to applicants' experience, motivation, local connection and audience reach.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Reside in one of the 12 eligible countries.
- Have between 2 and 5 years of relevant professional experience.
- Work in communications, journalism, media or content creation.
- Be proficient in English or French.
- Demonstrate relevant professional experience.
- Show motivation to participate in the programme.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must reside in one of the following countries:
- South Africa
- Benin
- Cameroon
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Kenya
- Mali
- Mozambique
- Uganda
- Republic of the Congo
- Rwanda
- Senegal
Important: Somalia and Somaliland are not included in the eligible countries listed for this particular Connect & Create Relay opportunity.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Portfolio
- Evidence of 2–3 previous projects
The application can be submitted in either English or French.
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the official online application form and attach their CV and portfolio.
Before applying, candidates should:
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Prepare an updated CV highlighting relevant professional experience.
- Prepare a portfolio showing 2–3 relevant projects.
- Complete the official online application form.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to submit a proposal for a Creative Tandem project.
How to Increase Your Chances
A strong application should clearly demonstrate your professional experience and communication skills.
Applicants should:
- Select 2–3 strong projects for their portfolio.
- Clearly explain their role in each project.
- Highlight relevant communications, media or content-creation experience.
- Demonstrate knowledge of their local cultural and media environment.
- Explain their motivation for joining the programme.
- Make sure the CV and portfolio are clear and professionally presented.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Applying if you do not reside in an eligible country.
- Submitting fewer than 2 relevant projects in the portfolio.
- Providing an outdated CV.
- Failing to demonstrate the required professional experience.
- Submitting incomplete application materials.
- Waiting until the final day to submit the application.
- Submitting the application after the deadline.
Application Timeline
15 September 2026: Applications open
13 October 2026: Application deadline
14 October – 3 November 2026: Shortlisting of candidates
5 – 19 November 2026: Submission of Creative Tandem project proposals
7 December 2026: Announcement of the 16 Connect & Create Hubs
Late January / early February 2027: Programme begins
Application Deadline
13 October 2026
Applications opened on 15 September 2026 and must be submitted by 13 October 2026.
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