CJID opens 2026 awards for journalists and introduces new human rights category

The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Excellence in Journalism Awards.

This third edition is open to entries from journalists, fact-checkers, and editors in Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. The awards will highlight work that promotes accountability, public interest, innovation, and storytelling that makes an impact in West Africa.

This year, a new Human Rights category has been added. This category will recognize journalism that has uncovered human rights abuses, raised the voices of affected communities, or pushed for accountability and policy changes regarding human rights in West Africa.

The 2026 Awards will honor outstanding reporting in nine categories:

1. Best Fact-check in West Africa
2. Best Health Reporting in West Africa
3. Best Climate Change and Environmental Reporting in West Africa
4. Best Solutions Journalism Reporting in West Africa
5. Best Community Reporting in West Africa
6. Best Reporting on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)
7. Best Reporting on Social Accountability
8. Best Reporting on Human Rights
9. Editor of the Year Award

Akintunde Babatunde, the Executive Director of CJID, spoke about this year’s edition. He said journalists in West Africa are doing important public-interest work, often facing tough conditions and lacking resources. He mentioned that journalists are vital in exposing wrongdoing, challenging false information, explaining complex issues, and sharing stories that might otherwise be ignored.

“We created the CJID Excellence in Journalism Awards to recognize this work and the people and newsrooms behind it,” he said.

As the awards enter their third year, Mr Babatunde noted that more attention is being given to the people and systems that support quality journalism, especially editors whose guidance and leadership contribute to strong journalism in the region.

He thanked the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their support of this third edition of the awards.

“We are grateful to the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for supporting the third edition of the awards and helping us continue to recognize journalism that serves communities, strengthens accountability, and contributes to better democratic societies across West Africa,” he said.

Kemi Busari, chairperson of CJID’s award planning committee, talked about the new categories. She emphasized that the awards have grown to become one of the most respected honors for journalists in West Africa.

“Our mission remains to recognize, celebrate, and elevate the highest standards of impactful reporting in the sub-region.

“This year, we have revamped the Editor of the Year contest. We want to celebrate an outstanding editor who works behind the scenes to produce great journalism. I strongly encourage news organizations to apply for this category.”

“Also, we have introduced the Human Rights category. This recognizes the crucial work journalists are doing to protect the rights of ordinary people and give a voice to the voiceless. This new category will remind us to keep protecting human rights, defending media freedoms, and holding those in power accountable,” he added.

Winners will be celebrated at a ceremony that will close the CJID Media and Development Conference in November 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria. Interested applicants can read the full call for applications here.