The International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ), in collaboration with ONE and the Elliott family, is seeking entries for the Michael Elliott Prize for Excellence in African Narrative2021. The competition is named in honour of the late British journalist and long-time ICFJ board member Michael Elliott.

Application deadline: 17 January 2021 at 11:59pm EST

Eligible countries: African countries

About the Award: The Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling, a collaboration between the International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ), One Campaign and the Elliott family, honours up-and-coming journalists in Africa who strive to strengthen people's voices and shine a light on the transformative change taking place on the continent.

Thanks to the award's many donors and the generous support of The Economist, the ICFJ is delighted to announce that in 2021 we are expanding the competition to honour two award winners who published groundbreaking journalistic work between 1 December 2019 and 1 December 2020. Entries will be selected on the quality of the piece and the impact their work has had on communities. We welcome excellent submissions in all media, especially those that demonstrate analytical skills as well as excellent writing skills.

The Award was created in honour of Michael Elliott, an outstanding editor, philanthropist and former director of ICFJ, 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 of establishing an award that would bring together his belief in great journalism with his commitment to progress in Africa.

Type: Competitions

Eligibility:

• The competition is open to English-speaking journalists working in Africa for print, broadcast and online media. Candidates must have no more than 10 years' experience in journalism.
• Applicants should submit a published story that exemplifies Africa through thoughtful reporting and excellent storytelling. We are looking for impactful investigative or explanatory pieces, especially those that illuminate transformative change in Africa.
• A copy of the published story or broadcast clip must be sent in English. Works in other languages must include English translations. We welcome submissions from print, broadcast and digital journalists. Multimedia submissions can include web, audio, video, visual or mixed media.
• The story submitted must be published between 1 December 2019 and 1 December 2020.

A distinguished international jury, including media leaders from the US, UK and Africa, will select the winners.

Number of awards: 1

Premium amount:

This prestigious annual award honours an emerging journalist in Africa who strives to strengthen people's voices and shine a light on the transformative change taking place on the continent.

In a special study tour organised by the ICFJ, previous winners spent time in US newsrooms in Washington, D.C., and New York to learn new skills and share knowledge. In 2019, the winner also completed a two-week internship at The Economist's headquarters in London, UK.

Due to ongoing travel restrictions as a result of COVID-19, the 2021 programme will take place virtually. The ICFJ will organise a series of approximately 10 virtual meetings over the course of the fellowship, with the participation of media and newsroom experts from the US and UK, as well as former winners of the Michael Elliott Prize. The ICFJ will tailor these sessions to the interests of the prize winners. The sessions will include meetings with journalists from leading international outlets such as the Washington Post, The Economist, Al Jazeera and others.

The winners will be invited to take part in a virtual internship with prestigious media outlets where they will have access to editorial meetings and media experts and share their own experiences with leading journalists.

To make the most of the training opportunities on offer, candidates must speak English, even if they work in another language. The two 2021 winners will also receive a cash prize of US$ 5,000.

How to apply: Submit your application if it fulfils the above criteria.

Visit the programme page for details

Award Providers: International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ), ONE and the Elliott family