Journalists from the Eastern Africa region are invited to submit entries for the IGAD Media Awards 2025.
Running under the theme Storytelling for Climate Action: For a Secure, Resilient, and Stable Region, the IGAD Media Awards 2025 focuses on one of the most urgent challenges of our time – climate change.
As the IGAD region faces increasing threats from drought, floods, desertification, and food insecurity, the Awards call upon journalists and media creators to shape bold narratives for climate resilience.
Through compelling storytelling, innovative reporting, and powerful visual communication, the Awards aim to raise awareness, drive engagement, and influence climate action across communities and institutions.
The IGAD Media Awards are a flagship initiative by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) that celebrates and amplifies journalistic excellence across the region.
Established as part of IGAD’s commitment to promoting ethical, responsible, and impactful media, the Awards honour journalists, media professionals, and storytellers who contribute to regional peace, development, and integration.
Each year, the Awards spotlight a pressing regional issue, aligned with IGAD’s strategic priorities, ranging from peace and security to climate resilience. Beyond recognition, the Awards provide a dynamic platform for professional growth, collaboration, and public engagement, fostering a vibrant and ethical media landscape across Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.
Rooted in IGAD’s Communication Strategy and Institutional Strengthening Action Programme (ISAP), the initiative seeks to elevate the role of the media as partners in shaping narratives that matter.
Who can apply?
The IGAD Media Awards are free and open to:
Practicing journalists from any of the eight IGAD Member States.
- Freelance journalists and independent media professionals.
- Journalists from mainstream, digital, or multimedia platforms.
- Foreign correspondents and content creators whose work focuses on the IGAD region.
- All entries must have been published or broadcast between April 1, 2024 to July 30, 2025.
Objectives
- Recognise and reward excellence in climate journalism and environmental storytelling.
- Inspire innovative and evidence-based reporting on climate adaptation and mitigation.
- Promote partnerships between journalists, climate experts, and decision-makers.
- Build public awareness and accountability on climate resilience in the IGAD region.
Judging criteria
- Relevance to climate change and environmental challenges
- Depth, accuracy, and sourcing
- Creativity and innovation in storytelling
- Impact and reach
- Adherence to journalistic ethics
The deadline for application is July 30, 2025.
For further clarifications on the competition, email mediaawards@igad.int.
For more details on the rules and regulations, visit here.
