Call for The Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling 2026 is open now!!
The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), the ONE Campaign, and the Elliott family are happy to announce a call for entries for the Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling.
The award honors up-and-coming journalists in Africa who strive to strengthen people’s voices and illuminate the transformational change taking place on the continent. The award entries must represent groundbreaking journalistic work published between December 1, 2024, and December 1, 2025. Winners will be selected on the quality of their piece and the impact their work has had in communities. They welcome excellent submissions in all media, especially those that demonstrate analytical skills in addition to outstanding writing ability.
Get the Youth Opportunities iOS App here for the fully-funded opportunities.
The Award was established in honor of Michael Elliott, an outstanding editor, philanthropist, and former ICFJ director, whose life was a testament to the power of storytelling to bear witness to and improve the human condition. Elliott served as a distinguished editor at The Economist, Newsweek, and Time before becoming CEO of ONE. In 2016, he had spoken of his dream to establish an award that would bring together his belief in great journalism with his commitment to progress in Africa. This prestigious annual award recognizes emerging journalists in Africa who strive to strengthen people’s voices and illuminate the transformational change taking place on the continent.
Youth Opportunities invites you to join your preferred channel to get the latest updates directly to your messenger inbox.
- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
- Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
- Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
- Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
- Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
Organized by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), in partnership with The Economist and the ONE Campaign, this annual award recognizes excellence in feature writing and long-form journalism. It is open to English-speaking journalists working in Africa who have produced exceptional works that shed light on transformative stories, social issues, or development challenges across the continent.
Through this award, ICFJ aims to empower African storytellers to continue producing impactful narratives that inspire positive change and elevate local voices on the global stage. The initiative reflects the enduring belief that strong storytelling can drive understanding, accountability, and progress in communities across Africa.
Location:
AfricaBenefits
- A $5,000 cash prize for honoring journalistic excellence and impact.
- A personalized award certificate.
- A two-week internship at The Economist Group in London, United Kingdom.
- Professional mentorship from leading international journalists and editors.
- Networking opportunities with top media professionals and organizations.
- Enhanced visibility and credibility within the global journalism community.
- A chance to refine storytelling skills and contribute to impactful narratives that promote social change in Africa.
Eligibilities
- The contest is open to English-speaking journalists working in Africa for print, broadcast, and online news media. Applicants must have no more than 10 years of journalism experience.
- Applicants must submit one published piece that exemplifies Africa through thoughtful reporting and excellent storytelling. They are looking for impactful investigative or explanatory pieces, especially those that illuminate transformational change in Africa.
- A copy of the published story or broadcast clip must be submitted in English. Works in other languages must include English translations. They welcome submissions from print, broadcast, or digital journalists. Multimedia submissions may include web, audio, video, visual, or mixed media.
- The submitted story must be published between December 1, 2024, and December 1, 2025.
Application Process
- Click on the Apply Link button
- Fill out the online application form with accurate personal and professional details.
- Upload one published story (in English) that best represents your storytelling ability and impact.
Application Deadline: January 10, 2026
Application ClosedOfficial link
