Kessa

The Young Panafrican Storytellers Program

KESSA supports the new generation of African storytellers — those who write, film, create, think, and transform the continent’s narratives.

By

UM6P

in partnership with

French African Foundation
Apply now

An initiative       to highlight African narratives

was born from a simple conviction : telling Africa’s story differently is already a way of transforming it.

Africa is a continent of voices, memories, and imaginations. In its cities, stages, studios, laboratories, and media spaces, powerful narratives are emerging — stories that inspire, challenge perceptions, and reveal a continent in motion.
A joint initiative of the UM6P Story School and the French-African Foundation, KESSA aims to support and elevate the talents who are shaping a modern, bold, and inspiring African narrative.
The word KESSA, meaning “story” in Arabic and in several African dialects, embodies this ambition: to amplify stories that resonate, connect, and transform.

Conviction simple

a unique pan-African program designed to :

Fix

Fix the creative voices that are shifting perspectives.

Support

Support emerging talent through first-rate training.

 

Connect

Connect a pan-African community of creators, thinkers and storytellers.

During an immersive week at the UM6P Story School campus, the 30 selected laureates will benefit from an environment where creativity, innovation, and storytelling come together.

Our objectives

Reveal
Train
Connect
Identify 30 emerging voices who are reshaping the way Africa is perceived, both on the continent and around the world.

The program progress

Launch and Selection

  • Applications open: December 10, 2025
  • Applications close: January 10, 2026
  • Announcement of the 30 laureates: February 23, 2026

Morocco – Immersive Week

From March 23 to 28, 2026

Six days of creative and collaborative experiences :

Masterclasses

Storytelling, writing, visual narration, journalism, digital culture, scientific storytelling, narrative leadership.

Hands-on Workshops

Audiovisual production, 360° storytelling, creative identity, collaborative production.

Inspiring Encounters

Artists, journalists, cultural entrepreneurs, researchers, African and international creators.

Co-creation

Production of an original work (video, podcast, text, or artistic creation).

Visibility

Pan-African distribution of productions and showcasing of talent.

After the program

Integration into the KESSA alumni community, with ongoing access to opportunities, collaborations, and professional networks.

Who is KESSA for ?

KESSA is for those who are shaping and advancing the African narrative:

Creators

Artists, filmmakers, writers, photographers, designers, performers.

Idea Makers

Researchers, scientists, intellectuals, innovators.

Media Voices

Journalists, hosts, podcasters, producers.

Storytellers

Content creators, influencers, communication experts.

Impact Builders

Cultural entrepreneurs, social actors, community leaders.

Selection Criteria

Candidates must :
  • Be between 25 and 40 years old
  • Have at least 5 years of experience in their field
  • Demonstrate significant creative practice or narrative work
  • Possess an active and engaged audience connected to Africa
  • Contribute to a positive, structured, and transformative African narrative
  • Show strong potential for impact

Application

Applications for the first edition of KESSA – The Young Panafrican Storytellers Programme will be open from December 10, 2025, to January 5, 2026.

Interested talents are invited to submit their application online via our dedicated platform.

Submission deadline:

January 10, 2026, at midnight, meaning during the night of January 9 !

Candidater maintenant

Founding Partners

UM6P

UM6P - Story School

A school of excellence dedicated to storytelling, media, digital, and creativity. It trains the voices that will tell the continent’s transformations.

French Africa Foundation

French-African Foundation

A leading organization for the new generation of African and French leaders, committed to cooperation, creativity, and impact.

The Young Panafrican Storytellers Programme

Apply now
Kessa

by UM6P Story School in partnership with
the French-African Foundation

© 2025 KESSA Programme. All rights reserved.