2. Background Transnational issues in sub-Saharan African countries, such as cross-border trade, migration, and security threats, pose significant challenges that affect the region's stability and development. These complex issues often have far-reaching consequences, impacting economic growth, social cohesion and political stability. As such, independent public-interest journalism has a role to play by accurately reporting on and producing accessible content to publics in order to hold those in power accountable. Part of that high quality reporting is to have access to Civil society actors in this space who are able to communicate their work so media can ensure they capture all community voices and frontline issues. 3. Training and Mentoring Accordingly, Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF), the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, is collaborating with local/regional media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to deliver a training and story mentoring programme that addresses the needs of journalists in Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe as well as communication training for CSOs in the sector to strengthen the work of both groups and lead to more informed audiences. The four-day training course will be delivered through TRF’s Dual Track approach; journalists and representatives of CSOs will take part in simultaneous training courses (tracks) led by our leading team of experienced professional trainers The training will look at key challenges journalists in Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe face when exploring stories on exploitative labour practices, wildlife smuggling and unregulated fishing, to name a few, as well as steer higher-quality story formats. 4. The Programme Learning Journey This programme offers targeted support to journalists and civil society organisations. Programme participants will have the opportunity to progress through the following programme stages: i. ii. iii. iv. Onboarding onto the programme through one-to-one conversations with TRF staff. Participation in TRF’s dual-track training course in Harare, Zimbabwe, Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania between February and March 2025. The opportunity to access direct one-to-one mentorship with a TRF mentor to develop and publish (or broadcast) an original journalistic work on the topics identified above. Places in the mentoring scheme will be awarded through a competitive proposal review process, and proposals must focus on transnational issues. Small grants will be awarded to applicants whose proposals are successful. The opportunity to access legal support made available through the Legal Network for Journalists at Risk (LNJAR) platform and the Legal Service for Independent Media (LSIM) through TRF's Trust Law network. Participation in a network of journalist and CSO alumni, with opportunities to engage in other relevant TRF programmes as they are rolled out. 5. Expected Programme Outcomes Journalists are expected to acquire the tools and know-how to report confidently on transnational issues in accordance with the Reuters Principles of Journalism to uphold accuracy and fairness when reporting on transnational issues. They will also be able to articulate solutions to overcoming barriers to reporting on these issues – particularly for marginalised and vulnerable groups – and better understand the work undertaken by their CSO counterparts. 6. The Dual-Track Training Course Participation in the Dual-Track Training course is the third stage of the programme and requires in-person participation between February- March 2025. 3