The AMDF Journalist of the Year Award is a flagship program of the Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) that recognizes and celebrates outstanding journalistic excellence in development journalism across the African continent. Since its inception, this award has become a leading platform that honors journalists whose work powerfully highlights critical development issues affecting Africa’s communities, promotes accountability, and inspires positive change.
Purpose and Significance
Development journalism focuses on stories that drive national growth and social progress by shedding light on socio-economic challenges, policy impacts, human rights, health, education, environment, and other key facets of Africa’s development landscape. The AMDF Journalist of the Year Award is designed to elevate these important narratives by rewarding journalists who demonstrate exceptional skill, ethical integrity, and courage in reporting untold, impactful stories.
This award aims to:
- Encourage journalists to pursue in-depth, development-focused reporting that informs and engages African audiences.
- Promote high standards of professionalism and quality in African journalism.
- Provide a continental platform that amplifies voices often marginalized in mainstream media.
- Inspire a culture of innovation, integrity, and responsibility in the media profession.
Award Categories
The award celebrates journalistic achievements across diverse media platforms, recognizing that powerful storytelling can take many forms. Categories include:
- Print Journalism
- Online Journalism
- Radio Broadcasting
- Television Broadcasting
- Photography
Each category honors exemplary work that demonstrates originality, depth, accuracy, and relevance to Africa’s development agenda.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements
The AMDF Journalist of the Year Award is open to professional and freelance journalists working within Africa who publish or broadcast development-focused stories in African or Africa-centered media outlets. Submissions must:
- Feature compelling, untold stories that focus on African development issues and communities.
- Reflect high journalistic standards in research, writing, storytelling, and ethical practice.
- Be published or aired within a specified period prior to each award cycle (specific dates vary annually).
- Be submitted in English, with clear documentation and supporting materials.
The award program ensures inclusivity across media formats and encourages participation from journalists at all career stages.
Submission and Judging Process
Journalists submit their entries online through a transparent and secure platform, including necessary documentation such as by-line credentials, background statements, and supporting multimedia materials.
A distinguished panel of judges—comprising experienced journalists, media scholars, and development experts—evaluates each entry based on:
- Journalistic quality and innovation
- Depth of research and context
- Relevance and impact on development issues
- Ethical standards and authenticity
The judges uphold rigorous standards to maintain the award’s credibility and prestige, and they reserve the right to disqualify any submission that fails to meet these benchmarks.
Award Recognition and Impact
Winners of the AMDF Journalist of the Year Award receive formal recognition at the Africa Conference on Development Journalism (ACDJ), an annual gathering of media professionals, scholars, and development practitioners. The award ceremony offers recipients a prominent platform to showcase their work, engage with peers, and connect with stakeholders in media and development sectors.
The award not only provides recognition but also amplifies the voices of journalists committed to driving social change. Many past winners have leveraged this recognition to expand their influence, enhance their careers, and continue producing impactful journalism that contributes to Africa’s development goals.
Why the AMDF Journalist of the Year Award Matters
In a media landscape often challenged by limited resources, political interference, and misinformation, the AMDF Journalist of the Year Award stands as a beacon for quality and courageous journalism. It reinforces the vital role journalists play as watchdogs, educators, and advocates for sustainable development in Africa.
Through this award, AMDF champions journalism that is not just about reporting facts but about shaping narratives that empower communities, hold power accountable, and foster a more informed and engaged citizenry.
AMDF Journalist of the Year Award — Winners & Story Titles
2016
• Winner: Christiana Alabi (Daily Trust, Nigeria)
• Selected by audience voting
2017
• Winner: Ibrahima Yakubu (Deutsche Welle Radio, Kaduna Correspondent, Nigeria)
• Selected by audience voting
2018
• Winner: Aisha Haruna (DITV Kaduna, Nigeria)
• Selected by audience voting
2019
• Winner: Venessa Offiong (Daily Trust, Nigeria)
• Story Title: Abuja Communities Where Girls Are Raped En Route School
🔗 https://dailytrust.com/abuja-communities-where-girls-are-raped-en-route-school/
2020
• Winner: Gabriel Ogunjobi (The Nation, Nigeria)
• Story Title: With N1000 bribe, I “smuggled” foreign rice from Benin Republic to Nigeria despite govt’s restrictions
🔗 https://thenationonlineng.net/with-n1000-bribe-i-smuggled-foreign-rice-from-benin-republic-to-nigeria-despite-govts-restrictions/
2021
• Winner: Justina Asishana (The Nation, Niger State Correspondent, Nigeria)
• Story Title: We Are Paying Ransoms with Loans – Niger State Residents
🔗 https://thenationonlineng.net/we-are-paying-ransoms-with-loans-niger-state-residents/
2022
• Winner: Janet Ogundepo (Weekend Titles Correspondent, Punch Newspapers, Nigeria)
• Story Title: Certified Dead Alive: Hospitals Where N10,000 Fetches Death Certificate for the Living
🔗 https://punchng.com/certified-dead-alive-hospitals-where-n10000-fetches-death-certificate-for-the-living/
2023
• Winner: Odeniyi Solomon Oluwatosin (Punch Newspaper, Nigeria)
• Story Title: For PWDs in Nigeria, Road to Justice Remains Tortuous, Costly (Part 1 & 2)
🔗 https://punchng.com/for-pwds-in-nigeria-road-to-justice-remains-tortuous-costly-1/?amp
2024
• Winner: Chernor Mustapha Thoronka (Apex Multimedia Co-op, Sierra Leone)
• Story Title: Diabetes in Sierra Leone (Help for Hawa)
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rMUDFHDIf8