Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) presents annual awards to recognize and celebrate excellence, courage, and lifelong commitment in journalism, especially in areas that promote development and uphold the highest ethical standards. These awards are part of AMDF’s broader vision to elevate journalism in Africa and inspire a new generation of practitioners who are committed to truth, accountability, and impact.
1. AMDF Journalist of the Year Award
This is the flagship award of AMDF, presented to an outstanding journalist whose work exemplifies excellence in development journalism. The award honors in-depth, well-researched, and impactful reporting that brings to light key development issues, gives voice to underrepresented communities, and holds power to account. The winning story is selected based on originality, relevance, quality of investigation, and overall contribution to public awareness or policy change.
Selection Process:
Entries are called through an open submission process each year. A jury composed of experienced journalists, academics, and media professionals reviews the entries using a transparent, criteria-based scoring system.
Presentation:
The AMDF Journalist of the Year Award is presented annually during the Africa Conference on Development Journalism (ACDJ) in Kaduna, Nigeria.
2. AMDF Courage in Journalism Award
Introduced in 2016, this award recognizes individual journalists and media organizations across Africa who have demonstrated exceptional bravery in the line of duty. It is awarded to those who continue to pursue the truth in the face of threats, violence, arrests, or censorship.
Initially presented independently, the award was integrated into the Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture Series in 2020, aligning with the Lecture’s core focus on courage in journalism.
Selection Process:
This award is not contested. Recipients are selected by the AMDF Board based on documented cases of exceptional courage and commitment to journalistic integrity across Africa.
Categories:
-
Individual Journalist
-
Media Organization
Presentation:
Awardees are honored during the annual Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture Series.
3. AMDF Lifetime Achievement Award for Journalistic Excellence
This prestigious award celebrates veteran journalists whose careers have made a significant, impactful, and lasting contribution to journalism in Africa, particularly in the field of development journalism.
It honors individuals who have upheld the highest professional standards over decades, mentored younger journalists, and consistently used their platform to advance social good.
Selection Process:
The AMDF Board identifies and selects honorees based on a lifetime of work, reputation, and overall contribution to journalism and development.
Presentation:
The award is presented alongside the AMDF Journalist of the Year Award during the annual Africa Conference on Development Journalism (ACDJ).
These awards are central to AMDF’s mission of strengthening ethical, impactful, and courageous journalism across Africa. By celebrating excellence and resilience, AMDF aims to inspire current and future journalists to pursue the highest ideals of the profession, no matter the challenges.