Africa's development story is being written without Africa's journalists at the table. Young audiences disengage from reporting that doesn't explain the policy decisions shaping their lives.
S6 · Intervention 3 of 6
Strengthening Development Coverage.
In-depth, nuanced development reporting beyond surface-level coverage.
- S3
- Of 6 pillars
- 3
- Active projects
- 4
- Concrete deliverables
- 1
- Featured initiatives
The challenge we’re fixing
Development and public-policy reporting is surface level, lacks nuance, and these stories are not packaged to serve the needs of young people.
Our approach
How Development works.
Thematic desks, partnered campaigns, and journalism products that improve how the development sector is covered — turning opaque donor-speak into stories that move audiences and accountability.
A practical curriculum focusing on process and explanatory journalism on public policy and development — going beyond the 5Ws and H to deliver context young audiences actually use.
3 projects delivering this work.
FeaturedSolutions Now Africa
A solutions-journalism multimedia newsroom producing films, documentaries, and constructive dialogues for African audiences.
Read more
CURIO
Explanatory journalism on development topics for young audiences.
Read more
The Q Citizen Report
Citizen journalism empowering community reporters with mobile-first approaches.
Read moreWhy Development works.
Development sharpened the way our newsroom thinks about its craft. The cohort kept us honest, and the mentorship built lasting habits.
What MCI gets right with Development is treating fundamentals as a system — not a one-off workshop. That's why it sticks.
Funders see Development graduates produce credible journalism within months. That's the bar.
I came in unsure I belonged in a newsroom. Development gave me the tools, networks, and confidence to lead my own.
Frequently asked questions.
In-depth, nuanced development reporting beyond surface-level coverage. We accept journalists, students, and newsroom leaders who fit this profile and are ready to commit to a full cohort cycle.
Each cohort has its own application window. Most projects under Development link to a dedicated landing page or form — see the project cards below. For partnership enquiries, use the CTA at the bottom of this page.
MCI's flagship cohorts are funded — participants do not pay tuition. Some specialised tracks may carry materials fees, which are stated on each project page.
The 6S Model is interlocking by design. Development feeds into every other pillar — and is in turn supported by them. Use the "Continue exploring" cards below to see neighbouring interventions.
Support Development
Help us scale strengthening development coverage.
In-depth, nuanced development reporting beyond surface-level coverage.