In brief
The BBC has officially launched the 10th edition of the Komla Dumor Award, aimed at identifying and nurturing the next generation of African journalists. This prestigious award seeks applications from aspiring journalists across Africa, and the winner will have the unique opportunity to spend three months at the BBC's London headquarters, enhancing their skills and gaining invaluable experience. The deadline for submissions is March 20, 2025, at 23:59 GMT.
The award is named in honor of Komla Dumor, a remarkable Ghanaian journalist who made significant contributions to broadcasting before his untimely death at age 41 a decade ago. His widow, Kwansema Dumor, expressed pride in his legacy and gratitude towards the BBC for commemorating his impact through this award. The BBC aims to empower African journalists to tell their stories authentically and engage with international audiences, thus continuing Dumor’s mission of presenting nuanced African narratives.Past winners have included a range of talented journalists from various countries, each bringing their unique perspectives to the forefront. For instance, 2024 winner Rukia Bulle reported on the Baye Fall community in Senegal, highlighting issues often overlooked by mainstream media. Jonathan Munro, BBC News's global director, emphasized the importance of this award in acknowledging and cultivating exceptional talent from the continent.Dumor significantly influenced African media, notably as the presenter of the BBC’s "Focus on Africa," the first dedicated English-language news program for African audiences. His legacy includes his ability to connect with African stories on a global platform, an endeavor that the BBC continues through the award. The BBC encourages all eligible journalists to seize this opportunity and contribute to the vibrant diversity of African journalism.For more information and to follow the latest news from Africa, visit BBCAfrica.com and engage with BBC Africa on social media platforms.
