African Women in Media (AWiM), in partnership with the African Union (AU) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, have launched the Africa Photojournalism Award and Resource Hub. The competition, which has seven categories, invites African photojournalists to submit images that creatively and artistically address the topic of the future in Africa.
“It is an honour for us to launch this kind of award that recognises African photojournalists who have captured motifs that give us a new narrative about the future and development of Africa,” said Dr Yemisi Akinbobola, Co-founder & CEO of African Women in the Media (AWiM).
“Capturing images that represent our beautiful continent is part of the many ways we can change the narrative of Africa, we are pleased to work with GIZ and AWiM on this important project,” said Leslie Richer, Information and Communication Director for the African Union Commission.
The photojournalism training programme will consist of three courses delivered via AWiMLearning, and will feature self-paced training, and live mentoring sessions with trainers.
“We are complementing the awards with a training programme and research into the lived experiences of photojournalists in Africa, so that industry, civil society organisations, and policymakers know exactly how to support them,” said Dr Akinbobola.
The initiative, including the photojournalism competition, courses, research and other resources, will support African photojournalists who are doing important work.
“As a close implementing partner of the African Union, we are delighted to join the Photojournalism Competition and Resource Hub initiative. This is a unique opportunity to support photojournalists from all over Africa in their important work. By giving representatives of this essential profession visibility; understanding their challenges – especially when it comes to conflict reporting – and by involving them in our joint areas of collaboration, we aim for a holistic and inclusive approach to sustainable development and peace on the continent which remains at the core of German international cooperation,” said Dr Inge Baumgarten, Director of GIZ Office to the African Union.
The competition is open to photojournalists from across Africa with entries expected to go through an initial vetting process by a team of seasoned judges. Winners for each category will be awarded $2,000 and announced at a virtual award ceremony on 31 May 2021.
For competition rules and how to enter, visit: Africa Photojournalism Awards
Leave a Reply