The 2024 Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) in collaboration with ONE and the Elliott family are happy to announce a call for entries for the 2024 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, 2022, and December 1, 2023. Winners will be selected on the quality of their piece and the impact their work has had in communities. We welcomed excellent submissions in all media, especially those that demonstrate analytical skills in addition to outstanding writing ability. We especially encourage stories that highlight transformational change in Africa. The deadline for application is January 31, 2024. 

The winners will receive a cash prize and a personalized award certificate. The winners will complete a two-week internship at The Economist in London, UK.

Eligibility
  • 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. We 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. We 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, 2022, and December 1, 2023. 
A distinguished international jury including media leaders from the US, UK, and Africa will select the winners. We will reach out to all applicants to notify them of their status by the spring of 2024.
Applicant Information





Professional Experience




(If the applicant is a freelancer, please specify applicable media outlet(s) from choices below)



Social Media


Demographic Information




English Language Proficiency




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Please fill out the sections below based on the story you are submitting to the contest. 


Applicants should submit a well-reported piece or series that reflects top-notch storytelling about important issues in Africa. The submission can include a feature story; an in-depth, investigative or explanatory piece; or a multimedia report or documentary.


Please note that you can only submit ONE story. Also, the submitted story must be published between December 1, 2022, and December 1, 2023.

Story Information









Additional Story Details




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Professional, Work and Personal Goals

Bio, CV, and References




Please upload at least two professional references from someone who is familiar with the applicant’s work.



Additional Information


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Agreement to Program Conditions
I, the undersigned, understand and agree that the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), as program administrator, is under no obligation to select me or any other applicant for this program. I agree to all terms and conditions of the program.


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