The Institut français invite participants, based in 12 Sub-Saharan African countries, to apply for an 11-month professional development programme beginning in 2027.
16 September 2026
Open Call:
Relais Connect & Create will provide 11 months of professional development to 16 participants working in communications, journalism, media, content creation or related fields.
Participants will support the communications efforts of a Connect & Create Creative Tandem project in their own country. The programme includes 10 themed training sessions covering areas such as storytelling, social media, editorial strategy and press relations, alongside one-to-one mentoring.
Applicants should have between two and five years of professional experience in communications, journalism, media or content creation.
Applications are accepted in either French or English.
Institutional Context:
Connect & Create is the Sub-Saharan Africa component of the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture programme, funded by the European Union and led by the Goethe-Institut and Expertise France, in partnership with the Institut français.
Launched in 2025, the programme supports cooperation between cultural professionals in Africa and Europe through initiatives focused on mobility, international co-production, professional exchange, dissemination and capacity building.
Eligibility & Criteria:
The programme is open to professionals who:
- Are at least 18 years old.
- Have between 2 and 5 years of professional experience in communications, journalism, media or content creation.
- Reside in one of the following countries: South Africa, Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Uganda, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda or Senegal.
- Are proficient in French or English.
Particular attention will be given to applicants’ experience, motivation, local roots and audience reach.
Applicants must submit a CV and a portfolio showcasing two to three projects.
Practical Information:
Programme: Relais Connect & Create
Organisers: Institut français and Expertise France, as part of Connect & Create
Coordinator: Imago Médias
Location: Sub-Saharan Africa; applicants must reside in one of the 12 eligible countries
Participants: 16
Programme duration: 11 months
Programme start: Late January / early February 2027
Applications open: 15 September 2026
Application deadline: 13 October 2026
Shortlisting: 14 October–3 November 2026
Creative Tandem proposal submission: 5–19 November 2026
Announcement of the 16 Connect & Create Hubs: 7 December 2026
Language: Applications may be submitted in French or English
Support: Training and one-to-one mentoring as part of the 11-month professional development programme.
Applications & Queries:
Submit applications through the online application form, accompanied by a CV and a portfolio showcasing two to three projects.
Application deadline: 13 October 2026.
The call for applications is available in both English and French.
For more information, please refer to the official website.
