Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC) is calling on journalists or teams of journalists from Africa to apply for its inaugural African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award, which recognises the best example of investigative reporting from and about Africa.
The Award, open to all journalists or teams of journalists working in any media for stories from and about Africa, recognizes outstanding examples of investigative reporting from Africa that reveal untold stories, hold the powerful to account, question those in public life and serve the public interest.
Eligible entries are those that have been published or broadcast in African media between June 1, 2022, and June 1, 2023. It can be for a single story or a series of stories published or broadcast in Africa within this period.
Interested applicants should put the following materials together and email them to AfricaIJAward@gmail.com.
- A 100-word biography and a high-resolution photo of entrant.
- A high-resolution copy of the publication/broadcaster’s
- A short motivation for the entry (maximum 500 words), including any background the judges should be aware of, an indication of the impact of the story and details of any significant challenge to the accuracy or fairness of the entry such as published letters, corrections, retractions, formal complaints or court cases. This motivation is critical and judges should be informed of the finer details that went into the investigation, for example, accessing hard-to-come-by documents or innovative problem-solving. The judges want to know the smart and hard work that went into the story, the risks taken, its originality, context and impact.
- Broadcast entries must include a transcript and a short video clip of the story for publicity
Although not compulsory, it is encouraged that entries in languages other than English be submitted with a translation in English.
Entries close on September 15, 2023 at 14H00. Late entries will not be accepted and all entrants will receive an acknowledgment of their entry within 72 hours of receipt of their applications. The award ceremony will be held at the African Investigative Journalism Conference in Johannesburg from November 20 to 22, 2023. The prize is $5,000.
Those who have questions and queries about the awards should direct them to AIJC@journalism.co.za.
The organisers retain the right to use any material in the winning entry for publicity and promotional purposes relating to the awards, and undertake to give full credit to the individuals and the media involved.
