The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has unveiled the finalists for its 2025 Journalist of the Year Award, celebrating excellence in development-oriented journalism across Africa.
Selected from over 25 entries submitted from across the continent, the finalists distinguished themselves through their depth of reporting, originality, and commitment to spotlighting critical issues shaping Africa’s development narrative.
Entries were received from the radio, television, print, and online categories, though no submissions were received in the photo category this year. Unfortunately, many entries did not meet the award’s eligibility criteria.
2025 AMDF Journalist of the Year Award Finalists (in alphabetical order):
• Adedokun Theophilus Oluwapelumi – Print (Nigeria)
• Muhammad Auwal Ibrahim – Online (Nigeria)
• Hamzat Ibrahim Abaga– Online (Nigeria)
• Mohammed Hugu – Print (Ghana)
• Nanji Nandang – Online (Nigeria)
• Destiny Onyemihia– Radio (Nigeria)
• Nasiru Saidu– Television (Nigeria)
The winners and runners-up will be announced during the Africa Conference on Development Journalism, scheduled for December 3–4, 2025, in Kaduna, Nigeria. The conference will convene journalists, media leaders, and development stakeholders to explore journalism’s evolving role in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development across the continent.
“The exceptional work of this year’s finalists reflects the courage, creativity, and commitment that define Africa’s journalism community,” said Sekyen Dadik, Executive Director of AMDF. “Through their reporting, they amplify underrepresented voices, challenge systems of power, and drive conversations that shape a better future for our continent. Their dedication reminds us that journalism remains a cornerstone of progress and accountability.”
The AMDF Journalist of the Year Award honors excellence in reporting that addresses Africa’s development challenges while promoting transparency, good governance, and citizen engagement. By celebrating these achievements, AMDF aims to inspire more journalists to pursue impactful, solutions-driven storytelling that strengthens democracy and social transformation.
About AMDF
The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) is a non-profit organization committed to advancing development journalism across Africa. Through training, press freedom advocacy, and recognition initiatives, AMDF supports journalists in producing impactful stories that foster social justice, accountability, and sustainable development.
SIGNED
Sekyen Dadik
Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF)
Email: sdadik@amdf-centre.org
Website: https://amdf-centre.org
