Call for Story Pitches: Youth, Innovation & Food Systems Transformation

ABComms invites journalists in Eastern and Southern Africa to pitch solutions-oriented stories that examine food systems as a whole—from production and natural resource management to markets, nutrition, technology, and investment. We are particularly interested in stories that highlight youth-led innovations and practices that are shaping more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems across East and Southern Africa.

Proposed stories should align with one or more of the following strategic priority areas:

• Climate Change Resilience

• Nutrition and Sustainable Livelihoods

• Natural Resources and Environment

• Soil Health Management

• Trade and Markets

• Investments in Agriculture

• Technology and Innovation

  
  

We encourage pitches that go beyond describing challenges to interrogate what is working, why it works, and what it means for policy, practice, and investment. Strong pitches will demonstrate how youth are not just participants, but drivers of innovation, policy engagement, and food systems change, and how these approaches can be supported or scaled across the region.

Selected pitches will receive a reporting grant of USD 1,200 to support research, reporting, and production costs. Journalists are encouraged to propose story ideas that are feasible within this budget and grounded in regional relevance.

All selected stories must be published by 1 May.

Pitches may be submitted in English or French.

Reporting Grant & Support

• Grant amount: USD 1,200 per selected story

• Geographic focus: East and Southern Africa

• Purpose: To support research, field reporting, data gathering, interviews, and production

• Thematic focus: Stories must align with the strategic priorities listed above.

  
  

Deliverables & Expectations

Selected journalists will be expected to deliver:

• One in-depth published story (text, multimedia, or data-driven formats welcome)

• Clear policy relevance, particularly for youth and food systems decision-making

• Evidence of youth leadership or innovation within the story

• Publication by 1 May

  
  

Additional light outputs (such as short excerpts or summaries) may be requested in coordination with ABComms.

Submit your pitch

Deadline for application is 2 March 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply?

Journalists based in or reporting on East and Southern Africa, with experience or interest in food systems, youth, agriculture, climate, or development.

Can newsroom teams or collaborations apply?

Yes. Team and cross-border pitches are welcome, provided one journalist is identified as the lead applicant.

Is the USD 1,200 grant per person or per story?

The grant is per story, regardless of whether it is produced by an individual journalist or a team.

Can the grant be used for travel and field reporting?

Yes. The grant may be used for travel, interviews, data access, and other reasonable reporting expenses.

Can pitches be submitted in French?

Yes. Pitches in French are welcome.