The AIJC African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award, supported by Absa, recognizes exceptional investigative reporting from Africa that uncovers untold stories, holds those in power accountable, and serves the public interest. The winner will receive US$5,000, with major travel costs (flights, accommodation, transport) covered for the finalists.

Benefits of AIJC African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award

The winner will receive a prize of US$5,000, and finalists’ travel costs will be covered.

Requirements for AIJC African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award

All African journalists or teams of journalists who have published or broadcast stories from or about Africa in African media during the eligibility period.

Selection Process

A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on originality, investigative work (creativity, persistence, courage), and the impact of the story, particularly its public service value.

Application Documents

Entries must include:

An electronic copy of the entry material as published/broadcast. If the original is reduced in size, it must be accompanied by a readable Word/PDF version.

A 100-word biography and high-res photo of each entrant.

A high-res 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 detail 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.

Do not include material from outside the competition time frame, though where relevant, these can be referred to in your motivation.

Application Deadline

September 27, 2024

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to ABSA on docs.google.com to apply