In line with the African Union Theme for the year 2021 “Art’s Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want the African Union through the Information and Communication Directorate (IDC), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) have joined forces to launch the Agenda 2063 Africa Photojournalism Project for African Female Journalists. The project aims to tap into the artistic and creative aspects of journalism to portray Africa’s diversity, rich heritage and cultural diversity and the economic development and social transformation of the continent being led by Africans.
“African journalists have a key role to play in defining Africa’s development narrative and how we want Africans and the world to view the continent. Photojournalism is a significant lever for storytelling and this project aims to showcase the work undertaken by journalists to capture the stories of this continent through powerful, compelling imagery and also to provide them with the technical training and skills that will enhance their ability to do their work;” said Leslie Richer, the African Union Director for Information and Communication. She added that the focus on female journalists for this project was in line with decisions made by the Ministers in charge of Communication and Information and Communication Technology to recognise contributions of journalists who give attention to development issues towards the achievement of Agenda 2063 and welcomed the continued support by GIZ to the African Union’s programmes to promote Agenda 2063 and African women in media.
The project will commence with the launch of the Agenda 2063 Women’s Photojournalism Award, this activity will recognise and celebrate outstanding female journalists whose submissions will be assessed against categories defined by the Goals and Aspirations of Agenda 2063. Photographers will submit their work and individual perspective on these categories
“As a close implementing partner of the African Union, we are delighted to join the Agenda 2063 Africa Photojournalism Project for African Female Journalists. This is a unique opportunity to support photojournalists from all over Africa in their important work. By giving representatives of this essential profession visibility; understanding their challenges – especially when it comes to conflict reporting – and by involving them in our joint areas of collaboration, we aim for a holistic and inclusive approach to sustainable development and peace on the continent which remains at the core of German international cooperation,” said Dr Inge Baumgarten, Director of GIZ Office to the African Union.
The competition is open to female photojournalists from across Africa, all entries are expected to go through vetting process from a team of seasoned judges. Winners for each category will be awarded $2,000 the deadline for application 15th May, 2021.
“It is an honour for us to launch this kind of award that recognises African photojournalists who have captured motifs that give us a new narrative about the future and development of Africa,” said Dr Yemisi Akinbobola, Co-founder & CEO of African Women in the Media (AWiM).
In addition to the photojournalism award, The Agenda 2063 project will provide capacity building for journalists through an online learning module on photojournalism, The course will be free for the 100 female journalists. This will consist of three courses self-paced training, and live mentoring sessions with trainers. Certification will be provided through the Pan Africa Virtual university. A podcast and research paper will document the lived experiences of photojournalists in the continent.
Visit our website to find out more about the Agenda 2063 Photojournalism Project
For more media inquiries please contact:
Ms. Faith Adhiambo | Communications Officer-Agenda 2063 | African Union Commission | E-mail: OchiengJ@africa-union.
