CJID opens 2026 awards to reporters, editors, introduces human rights category

The 2026 Awards will recognise exceptional reporting in the following categories: Best Fact-check in West Africa Best Health Reporting in West Africa Best Climate Change and Environmental Reporting in West Africa Best Solutions Journalism Reporting in West Africa Best Community Reporting in West Africa Best Reporting on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Best Reporting on Social Accountability Best Reporting on Human Rights Editor of the Year Award Speaking on this year’s edition, Akintunde Babatunde, Executive Director of CJID, said journalists across West Africa continue to carry out important public-interest work, often under difficult conditions and with limited resources.“We are grateful to the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for supporting the third edition of the awards and helping us continue to recognise journalism that serves communities, strengthens accountability and contributes to stronger democratic societies across West Africa,” he noted.

The third edition of the award is open to entries from journalists, fact-checkers, and editors from Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Senegal, and Ivory Coast whose work has promoted accountability, public interest, innovation, and impactful storytelling in West Africa.