SLAJ Opens 2026 Membership Applications for Journalists
Aaron Parker The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has announced the opening of applications for membership, with prospective applicants required to meet specific educational, professional and vetting requirements.
According to a notice issued on October 1, 2026, applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application processing fee of NLe200 and complete the online SLAJ Membership Application Form.
The application fee can be paid through the SLAJ short code 715924# via Orange Money or Afrimoney, or through the SLAJ Membership Dues Account, A/C No. 3125345113, at any GTBank branch.
SLAJ said all payments must be made in the applicant’s name, exactly as it appears on the membership application form. Applicants who pay through the bank are also required to submit a scanned copy of their bank pay-in or deposit slip as proof of payment.
For educational qualifications, applicants must have at least five GCE O’ Level/WASSCE passes, including English Language. However, applicants with a recognised university or professional degree are not required to provide their GCE/WASSCE results on the application form.
The Association further stated that applicants must have practised journalism in Sierra Leone for a minimum period depending on their academic qualifications.
Professional Diploma and Degree holders are required to have at least six months of journalism experience, while HTC/GCE/WASSCE holders must have at least three years of experience. Applicants without academic certificates must have at least 10 years of journalism experience.
SLAJ also requires applicants to have no criminal record and to provide accurate and verifiable information throughout the application process. All educational certificates submitted must be obtained from recognised academic institutions approved by the relevant statutory authorities in Sierra Leone.
Foreign nationals and non-journalists interested in associating with the Association may apply for Associate Membership, subject to the applicable SLAJ requirements.
The Association clarified that submitting an application does not automatically guarantee membership. All applicants must appear before the SLAJ Membership Credentials Committee for final vetting and verification before membership can be approved.
SLAJ has encouraged prospective applicants to carefully review the requirements and ensure that all information and supporting documents submitted are complete, accurate and authentic.
The application process is expected to close on November 20, 2026.
Prospective applicants can access the SLAJ membership application platform through the Association’s official website. SLAJ Official Website
