As Southern Africa’s startup economy accelerates, the region’s independent media sector risks falling behind—underfunded, under pressure, and under threat. Enter Amplify Southern Africa, a new support programme by the Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) designed to help media startups not just survive, but scale.
Launched this month, Amplify offers bespoke mentoring, technical support, and targeted grants for independent media in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and Lesotho. Its mission: build revenue, expand reach, and spark innovation where it’s needed most.
No ad to show here.
From Surviving to Scaling
“Independent media is critical infrastructure for democracy, but it’s often the least supported,” says MDIF CEO Harlan Mandel. “Amplify equips media entrepreneurs with the tools and strategy to build sustainable businesses—without compromising editorial integrity.”
Tailored for early- to mid-stage media ventures with a product-driven approach, Amplify delivers:
-
1:1 Coaching with experienced media business mentors
-
Revenue Innovation Support to unlock new income streams
-
Audience Growth Strategy focused on reaching underserved markets
-
Leadership and Workflow Development for lean, effective teams
-
Targeted Grant Funding to boost execution and experimentation
-
Networking Access to connect with fellow founders, funders, and media pioneers
The model builds on the success of MDIF’s South Africa Media Innovation Program (SAMIP), which from 2017 to 2023 helped 27 independent outlets grow audiences, generate revenue, and launch products. Notable alumni include 263Chat in Zimbabwe, and Volume and Media Hack in South Africa, who used the programme to accelerate podcasting, data journalism, and rural news projects.
Timing the Shift
Amplify arrives as the region’s digital economy surges ahead, but media innovation lags behind sectors like fintech and e-commerce. According to a 2022 Global Investigative Journalism Network report, many African media organisations still rely heavily on donor funding and are slow to adopt tech-driven models.
With mobile penetration above 95% in South Africa (ICASA, 2025) and rural communities still underserved, Amplify is pushing for a bold reset—prioritising digital-native storytelling, product innovation, and sustainable income models.
Who Should Apply
Media organisations must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Based in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, or Lesotho |
| Editorial Independence | Free from government, political, or corporate influence |
| Values | Committed to democracy, transparency, human rights |
| Growth Mindset | Ready to launch a product, revenue plan, or digital initiative within 12 months |
| Time Commitment | Able to engage meaningfully with mentors, workshops, and coaching tasks |
Applications are by invitation only, through a closed call to ensure alignment with the programme’s strategic objectives. Interested media founders or leaders should contact amplifysa@mdif.org or visit www.mdif.org for more information.
Why It Matters
Amplify Southern Africa isn’t just a grant—it’s a launchpad. For media startups operating in the region’s toughest markets, this could be the difference between shutting down and scaling up.
South African outlets like Igunundu Press (indigenous language journalism) and Media Hack (public-interest data projects) have shown that sustainability is possible with the right mix of support and strategy. But the gap remains: a 2024 Media Monitoring Africa report found that only 15% of rural South Africans have access to reliable news.
For Southern Africa’s media founders, the message is clear: the future belongs to those who can build resilient, revenue-generating platforms without losing sight of purpose. Amplify Southern Africa is here to help them do exactly that.
Media Contact:
amplifysa@mdif.org
www.mdif.org
Download the SAMIP Impact Summary (PDF)
