Reuters is inviting applications for a Breaking News Correspondent, Sub-Saharan Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
The full-time position offers an opportunity for an experienced journalist to join Reuters’ international breaking news team and report on major developments across Southern Africa and other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.
The role is designed for a journalist who can work quickly and accurately in a fast-paced newsroom, identify important developments from multiple sources, and produce concise breaking news coverage under intense time pressure. The successful candidate will work closely with text and visual journalists across the region to deliver timely and compelling coverage.
The application deadline is September 18, 2026.
Reuters Breaking News Correspondent Job 2026
The Breaking News Correspondent will become part of Reuters’ breaking news operation, producing real-time coverage of important events across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is listed as a hybrid, full-time role. The correspondent will be expected to cover major breaking stories from Southern Africa and other Sub-Saharan African countries while helping Reuters compete effectively on the speed and quality of breaking news.
Key responsibilities include:
- Producing real-time headlines, newsbreaks and updates.
- Developing sidebars and visually driven human-interest stories.
- Covering major breaking stories across Southern Africa and other Sub-Saharan African markets.
- Identifying opportunities to publish stories quickly while maintaining accuracy.
- Working closely with text and visuals colleagues across the region.
- Applying strong news judgment when assessing developing stories.
- Monitoring multiple information sources to identify significant political, economic and viral developments.
The position therefore combines traditional reporting skills with rapid digital newsgathering and verification.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should have at least one year of experience working in a fast-paced breaking news environment. Reuters is looking for candidates with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in diverse newsroom settings and perform under pressure.
Candidates should also be able to process complex information quickly. Breaking news often involves incomplete, rapidly changing information, making the ability to assess and filter information particularly important.
Another requirement is the ability to monitor multiple news sources, including social media, to identify developments that may require immediate reporting. Candidates should be able to distinguish important information from large volumes of rapidly changing material.
Strong writing skills are essential. The successful candidate will need to write fast, succinctly and accurately, including when working under significant time constraints.
Applicants should also have a working knowledge of the region’s currency and stock markets, including an understanding of how African financial markets can be influenced by developments in global financial markets.
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of additional languages, including French, Spanish or Portuguese, is considered an advantage.
Preferred Qualifications
Reuters also identifies several preferred qualifications that could strengthen an applicant’s profile.
Candidates with strong knowledge of the political, economic and business landscape across multiple Sub-Saharan African markets are encouraged to apply. Experience reporting from or working across the region is also valuable.
Experience in an integrated newsroom environment is another advantage. The role requires collaboration between journalists working on text, video and photography, particularly when major breaking news events require coordinated coverage.
Familiarity with modern digital journalism tools is also desirable. This includes digital newsgathering platforms, verification techniques and social media monitoring tools.
Reuters also highlights emerging AI-enabled newsroom workflows used to identify, report and develop stories at speed. Candidates who understand how technology can support modern journalism may therefore find this experience relevant to the role.
Work Location and Employment Details
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is classified as hybrid. It is a full-time opportunity within Reuters, the international multimedia news organization operated by Thomson Reuters.
The role provides journalists with the opportunity to work within a global newsroom environment and collaborate with colleagues covering developments across different African markets.
Reuters states that its employees have access to international career and progression opportunities, alongside learning and development support. Journalists can benefit from on-the-job learning, coaching and training through the company’s dedicated development resources.
The company also lists competitive salary packages and market-leading benefits, including paid volunteering days.
Career Development at Reuters
The Breaking News Correspondent role offers exposure to international journalism and real-time reporting across a diverse regional news environment.
Reuters describes itself as the world’s largest international multimedia news provider. The organization provides business, financial, national and international news to professional and media audiences around the world.
The company also emphasizes its Trust Principles, including independence, integrity and freedom from bias. Its journalists work across multiple formats and languages, providing coverage to audiences globally.
For an experienced reporter seeking to develop within an international newsroom, the role involves collaboration with text, video and photography teams while covering significant events across Sub-Saharan Africa.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare an application demonstrating their relevant breaking news and regional reporting experience.
Applicants should particularly highlight experience that matches the requirements of the position, including:
- Breaking news reporting.
- Fast and accurate writing.
- Digital newsgathering and verification.
- Social media monitoring.
- Knowledge of African political, economic and business developments.
- Financial market awareness.
- Experience working in a collaborative newsroom.
- Additional language skills, where applicable.
Candidates should ensure that their application clearly demonstrates how their journalism experience aligns with the responsibilities of the position.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Reuters Breaking News Correspondent, Sub-Saharan Africa position is September 18, 2026.
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and applications should be submitted through the official Thomson Reuters careers platform before the stated deadline.
Final Thoughts
The Reuters Breaking News Correspondent Job 2026 is an opportunity for an experienced journalist to contribute to real-time coverage of major developments across Sub-Saharan Africa. The position combines breaking news reporting, digital newsgathering, regional knowledge and collaboration across text and visual journalism teams.
Candidates with at least one year of fast-paced breaking news experience, strong English writing skills and knowledge of African political, economic and business environments can review the requirements and submit their applications before September 18, 2026.
