Storytelling is essential — it helps us understand, learn about, and discover new communities, places, and more. Every day, journalists around the world work hard to tell stories that inform and inspire others. That’s why the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), the ONE Campaign and the family of Michael Elliott partner annually to honor these amazing storytellers. Each year, the Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling is awarded to a promising journalist for their outstanding work covering and telling stories on the continent. If this piques your interest or sounds like someone you know, you’re in luck — the 2022 award is open for entries!
Here’s what you need to know about this year’s award.
About the award
Established in 2016 in partnership with ONE and the Elliott family, the Michael Elliott Award is awarded by the International Center for Journalists to honor the memory and legacy of Michael Elliott. Michael was an editor at Newsweek, Time and The Economist, and CEO of ONE from 2011-16.
Michael was committed to the power of storytelling in improving the human condition, and the namesake award is given to an emerging journalist covering Africa and uplifting voices and perspectives from the continent. The award is the result of a dream Michael had in 2016 to “establish an award that would bring together his belief in great journalism, with his commitment to progress in Africa.” The award is designed to help advance the work of each of its winners, who are selected by an international jury that includes media leaders from Africa, the US, and the UK.
This year, the award will go to two winners who have published groundbreaking work between December 1 2020 and December 1 2021, among other eligibility criteria. Applicants must apply by January 30, 2022.
What winners will receive
The two winners will receive a cash prize, a $1,000 reporting grant, and a crystal award. One of the winners will complete a two-week internship at The Economist‘s headquarters in London, UK. Another winner will spend time in U.S. newsrooms in Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Find out more about the Michael Elliott Award, apply now, and read about Zainab Bala and Bernadette Vivuya, who won the last award.
Good luck to this year’s entrants!
