Nominations open for IGAD Media Awards for Journalistic Excellence

Established as part of IGAD’s commitment to promote ethical, responsible, and impactful media, the Awards honour journalists, media professionals, and storytellers who contribute to regional peace, development, and integration.

The Awards provide a dynamic platform for professional growth, collaboration, and public engagement, fostering a vibrant and ethical media landscape across Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.

Theme

• Storytelling for Climate Action: For a Secure, Resilient, and Stable Region.

Objectives

• Recognise and reward excellence in climate journalism and environmental storytelling.
• Inspire innovative and evidence-based reporting on climate adaptation and mitigation.
• Promote partnerships between journalists, climate experts, and decision-makers.
• Build public awareness and accountability on climate resilience in the IGAD region.

Award Categories

• Print: Recognises outstanding newspaper or magazine reporting that demonstrates depth, accuracy, and impact on regional issues.
• Radio: Honours compelling audio storytelling—including features, podcasts, or documentaries—that inform and engage diverse audiences.
• Television Journalism: Awards excellence in televised news features, documentaries, or investigative reports addressing key regional themes.
• Digital Media: Celebrates innovative and impactful online journalism, including blogs, multimedia content, and digital storytelling formats.
• Photography: Acknowledges powerful visual storytelling through photo essays or single images capturing critical moments or narratives.
• Indigenous Language Reporting: Rewards impactful journalism delivered in local or national languages that broaden accessibility and inclusion.
• Influencer of the Year: Recognises a digital creator using social media to drive awareness and dialogue around development, peace, or climate issues.
• Upcoming Media Personality of the Year: Highlights an emerging journalist or content creator making a significant impact through fresh, dynamic storytelling.
• Gender Responsive Media: Honours reporting that champions gender equality, women’s voices, and inclusive narratives across the region.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Pays tribute to a seasoned media professional for their enduring contributions to journalism and public service storytelling.

Prize Information

• Winners will receive:
  • Certificates and token prizes
  • Accreditation to IGAD high-level events
  • A two-day masterclass on climate journalism
  • Access to IGAD experts and partner networks for future collaboration

Eligibility Criteria

• The IGAD Media Awards are free and open to:
  • Practicing journalists from any of the eight IGAD Member States.
  • Freelance journalists and independent media professionals.
  • Journalists from mainstream, digital, or multimedia platforms.
  • Foreign correspondents and content creators whose work focuses on the IGAD region.

Judging Criteria

• Each submission is evaluated based on:
  • Relevance to Theme: Coverage of climate change, resilience, adaptation, or regional development.
  • Accuracy and Depth: Use of reliable sources, data, and fact-checking.
  • Creativity and Innovation: Storytelling approach, format, or use of multimedia.
  • Impact and Reach: Influence on public discourse, behaviour, or policy.
  • Ethical Standards: Fairness, balance, and adherence to professional journalism ethics.

For more information, visit IGAD.