The 2025 African Media Awards (IGAD Media Awards) spotlighted excellence under the theme “Storytelling for Climate Action: For a Secure, Resilient, and Stable Region.” Winners hailed from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda, selected from more than 667 entries that reached over a million people.
Key highlights among the winners include:
- Kenya led with seven awardees, showcasing strong contributions in investigative journalism and digital innovation.
- Uganda, Somalia, and Ethiopia each celebrated three winners, recognized for their impactful reporting on climate resilience and community voices.
- Ahmed Absia (Somalia) was honored for his environmental reporting, emphasizing the need for meaningful coverage of climate change and praising Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative.
- Awards spanned diverse categories: print journalism, radio, television, digital media, photography, gender-responsive reporting, indigenous language storytelling, and emerging media personalities.
Outstanding Moments
The ceremony was filled with memorable highlights:
- Climate Action Spotlight: Winners stressed that climate change remains underreported, urging African media to hold institutions accountable and amplify community-driven solutions.
- Tribute to Legacy: Veteran journalists were honored for paving the way, reminding attendees of the importance of ethical storytelling.
- Youth and Innovation: The Emerging Voices Award drew enthusiastic applause, symbolizing hope for Africa’s next generation of storytellers.
- Regional Unity: The event brought together voices from across IGAD countries, reinforcing media’s role in fostering peace, resilience, and shared identity.
Voices from the Stage
Speakers, including IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu, emphasized that media freedom and ethical reporting are essential for regional stability. Judges praised winners for combining technical excellence with courage in tackling pressing issues like governance, displacement, and climate justice.
Why It Matters
The African Media Awards are more than a celebration—they are a platform for elevating African narratives globally. By honoring journalists who spotlight climate change and community resilience, the awards inspire professionals to push boundaries and ensure Africa’s stories are told authentically.
In summary: The African Media Awards 2025 crowned 20 winners from across IGAD nations, with Kenya leading the tally. Outstanding moments included tributes to veteran journalists, a spotlight on climate storytelling, and recognition of emerging voices shaping Africa’s media future.
