In brief
The BBC is launching the 10th edition of the Komla Dumor Award, seeking to elevate emerging talents in African journalism.
The BBC has officially opened applications for the 2025 Komla Dumor Award, which honors the legacy of the late Komla Dumor, a celebrated Ghanaian broadcaster who passed away a decade ago. The award seeks to recognize and nurture rising stars in African journalism, inviting contestants from all over the continent to submit their entries.The current award cycle marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Journalists interested in applying must submit their applications by 20 March 2025 at 23:59 GMT. The winner will be granted a three-month placement at the BBC headquarters in London, where they will enhance their journalistic skills and gain invaluable experience in the industry.Komla Dumor's widow, Kwansema Dumor, expressed her pride in her husband’s lasting impact on the BBC and appreciation for the network’s commitment to his memory through this prestigious award. The initiative aims not only to spotlight exceptional talent but also to support journalists in sharing intricate African narratives with global audiences.The prize includes a unique opportunity for the award recipient to travel within Africa to report on a story they have researched, with the finished piece broadcast to a worldwide audience, further embedding Dumor's legacy in championing robust journalism.Rukia Bulle from Kenya, last year's recipient of the Komla Dumor Award, utilized her time to report on the Baye Fall, a lesser-known Muslim minority in Senegal. Jonathan Munro, the global director and deputy CEO of BBC News, highlighted the significance of this anniversary, underscoring the depth and integrity that Komla Dumor brought to African storytelling.The legacy of Komla Dumor continues to inspire a new generation of journalists, with several remarkable past winners who have gone on to make substantial contributions to the media landscape across Africa and beyond. Notable former winners include Paa Kwesi Asare and Solomon Serwanjja, who have exemplified exceptional talent in their reporting.As the BBC urges African journalists to step forward and embrace this opportunity, the program not only seeks to honor Komla Dumor's memory but also reinforces the importance of diverse voices in the global media narrative.
