The Africa Story Project is Aerial View's flagship editorial initiative dedicated to discovering and telling the stories that help people understand Africa, not just visit it. By preserving the stories that make our communities unique, we also encourage more meaningful tourism. We believe preserving authentic local stories is one of the best ways to encourage sustainable tourism.
Created by Ria's Colony, The Africa Story Project exists because too much of Africa is still presented as a list of places to visit, rather than a collection of people, cultures and histories that deserve to be understood.
The project helps travellers discover the stories behind a place while giving the people and organisations who shape it an opportunity to reach a wider audience. By doing so, it preserves local identity and encourages more meaningful tourism across Africa.
Applications are reviewed by our editorial team for originality, accuracy and relevance. Selected stories are professionally written, fact-checked and published across Ria's Colony's platforms as lasting editorial features.
We welcome applications from individuals and organisations whose work helps preserve, explain or celebrate a place. This includes local guides, tourism businesses, hotels, restaurants, museums, conservation projects, community tourism initiatives, cultural centers, artisans, festivals and other organizations that contribute to the character of their communities.
While applications are open to all eligible organisations, the project places special emphasis on supporting women who are shaping Africa's tourism industry, preserving cultural heritage, leading conservation efforts and creating opportunities in their communities.
Participation in the Africa Story Project is completely free. Successful applicants receive a professionally written and fact-checked editorial feature, publication on Aerial View, promotion across Ria's Colony's platforms, newsletter exposure where applicable, and a complimentary 14-day promotional campaign to help their stories reach travellers, researchers, tourism professionals and culturally curious readers around the world.
More than an editorial initiative, the Africa Story Project is building a lasting collection of stories told by the people who know Africa best. Every feature helps preserve local knowledge, celebrates the people behind each place and encourages a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the continent.
Please fill the form below to apply. Before applying, here are the instructions:
Before completing this application, please read the following carefully:
- Complete all required fields as accurately as possible.
- Tell us your story in your own words. We are interested in honesty, not advertising copy.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Shortlisted applicants may be invited to complete a follow-up questionnaire or participate in a brief editorial interview.
- Acceptance into the program is not guaranteed and progression through each stage depends on editorial review and verification.
- Participation is completely free. Ria's Colony will never ask you to pay any fee to apply or to be selected.
- Plagiarized or misleading submissions may be rejected at any stage of the process.
Please ensure you have read the Terms of Reference before submitting your application.
Estimated completion time: 10–15 minutes.
Consent
By submitting this application, you confirm that:
- The information you provide is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
- You own, or have permission to use, all photographs and materials submitted.
- You agree to participate in Aerial View's editorial review process if shortlisted.
- You have read and agree to the Africa Story Project Terms of Reference.