SAMIP was launched in 2017 to diversify, strengthen and support innovation among independent media initiatives, through a mix of project funding, technical support and capacity building, and investment. Its initial focus was the South African media sector.

Now, after 4 years and 24 media initiatives, SAMIP is expanding its focus to include independent media organizations in five new Southern African countries: Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Independent media in these five countries are invited to apply to join our cohort of publishers by 31 July 2021.

SAMIP provides a space for new and established ventures alike to undertake a major strategic project for the growth or sustainability of their organization, including developing new audiences and products, testing new strategies, or exploring new revenue opportunities.

Since its launch in 2017, SAMIP has:

“We have seen great innovations coming from our South African cohort these last few years. This regional expansion is an opportunity to extend this support to media innovators in new southern African markets, and foster collaborations and learning beyond borders,” says SAMIP program manager Bilal Randeree.

Applications close on 31 July 2021.

About The South Africa Media Innovation Program (SAMIP)

SAMIP was established in 2017 by Media Development Investment Fund as a multi-year initiative to accelerate digital innovation and sustainability among select independent media outlets in South Africa. The program has worked with a total of 24 independent media companies, non-profits, and start-ups, providing a mix of grant funding, capacity building, and targeted investment. For more information see www.samip.mdif.org or follow @samip_mdif on Twitter.

Have a look at these case studies of some of SAMIP’s existing collaborations.

For more information contact Khumo Sello, Junior program officer, samip@mdif.org