The International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), a UNESCO Category 2 Institute on Media and Information Literacy, is inviting young Africans to participate in its Digital Storytelling for Peacebuilding activity under the Africa Against Xenophobia Project (AfAX-P).

The initiative provides an opportunity for young creatives to use digital media to tell original stories that promote unity, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and understanding while challenging xenophobia, hate speech, misinformation and disinformation across Africa. Participants are encouraged to highlight Africa’s diversity and use responsible digital communication to inspire positive change and stronger connections across communities.

The opportunity is open to individuals aged 15 to 30 years who are of African nationality or heritage and are living either in Africa or in the diaspora. Submissions must be original works created by the participant or participating team and must not have been previously published or awarded. Entries may be submitted in English, French, Arabic, Portuguese or any African language, although non-English submissions must include English subtitles.

Participants can submit their work as a video, podcast/audio drama, interactive media project or photograph. Videos may include short films, documentaries, animations, cartoons or vlogs and must be in MP4 format, at least 720p, with a maximum duration of three minutes. Podcasts and audio dramas should be submitted in MP3 or WAV format and must also be no longer than three minutes. Interactive entries can include web-based stories, digital comics, interactive presentations or games and should be submitted through a functional URL with any necessary access instructions. Photography submissions must be high-resolution JPEG or PNG files accompanied by a 100–200-word description explaining the context and message of the photograph. Minor digital enhancements are permitted, while AI-generated images must be clearly declared.

To participate, applicants should create an original digital story addressing the theme of combating misinformation and disinformation-driven xenophobia while promoting peace, unity and tolerance. Completed entries should be submitted through the official online submission form and shared on social media, with participants tagging #imilinstitute and #AfricaAgainstXenophobia.

Entries will be assessed based on their relevance to the theme, creativity and originality, impact and clarity of the message, technical quality, and social media engagement. Social media engagement will account for likes, shares and comments generated by the submission.

The top 50 finalists will have their works featured through AfAX-P activities, while the Top 20 winners will receive cash prizes, mentorship opportunities with leading media professionals and an invitation to an exclusive virtual workshop where they will share the stories behind their submissions. Selected works may also be published on the IMILI website and incorporated into educational resources. Finalists will further receive support to use their stories within their communities as part of the Africa Against Xenophobia campaign, and all participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Applications can be submitted through the online submission form.

Scroll down below for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity