The BBC is calling on talented journalists across Africa to apply for the prestigious BBC News Komla Dumor Award, now marking its 10th anniversary. The annual award, launched in honor of the late Ghanaian broadcaster Komla Dumor, aims to uncover and promote fresh journalistic talent from the African continent while empowering winners to tell compelling stories about Africa on the global stage.
The award winner will have the unique opportunity to spend three months at the BBC headquarters in London, where they will receive world-class training and mentorship from leading journalists and media professionals. This placement offers a chance to develop broadcasting, production, and storytelling skills at an international level. In addition to the training, the successful candidate will embark on a field assignment to an African country, where they will research and report on a story of their choosing. This report will be aired across the BBC’s global platforms, ensuring their work reaches a vast audience.
Applications for the award are currently open and will close on March 20, 2025, at 23:59 GMT. Journalists from across Africa are encouraged to apply for this career-defining opportunity.
The award was established in memory of Komla Dumor, a distinguished Ghanaian journalist and former BBC World News presenter, who passed away suddenly in 2014 at the age of 41. Known for his insightful reporting, engaging presentation style, and deep commitment to telling authentic African stories, Dumor left a lasting impact on global journalism. His ability to bring nuanced African perspectives to international audiences made him one of the most respected journalists of his time.
Dumor’s widow, Kwansema Dumor, expressed gratitude to the BBC for continuing to celebrate her late husband’s impact. “We are proud of Komla’s legacy at the BBC, and my family is thankful that his memory is being kept alive through this award,” she said.
Jonathan Munro, BBC News global director and deputy CEO, also underscored the significance of the award. “We are proud to launch this year’s BBC News Komla Dumor Award and begin the search for the next recipient. Marking its 10th anniversary is a testament to Komla Dumor’s powerful legacy of reporting on African stories with depth, insight, and integrity.
“Past winners of the award reflect the exceptional talent across the continent, so I look forward to welcoming this year’s winner and strongly encourage journalists to apply,” he added.
Komla Dumor’s journalism career was defined by a passion for telling African stories with clarity and authenticity. He was the presenter of Focus on Africa, the BBC’s first-ever dedicated daily TV news program for African audiences, where he played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of Africa’s political, social, and economic developments.
In addition to his work on Focus on Africa, Dumor was also a lead presenter for BBC World News’ European morning segment, where he skillfully connected African stories to a global audience.
Before joining the BBC in 2007, Dumor had already made a name for himself in Ghanaian journalism. He won the Ghana Journalist of the Year award, a recognition of his outstanding contributions to media in his home country.
At the BBC, Dumor quickly established himself as a formidable journalist. Between 2007 and 2009, he hosted Network Africa on BBC World Service before moving on to The World Today program.
In 2009, he became the first host of Africa Business Report on BBC World News, traveling across the continent to interview Africa’s top entrepreneurs and report on emerging business trends. His work helped challenge outdated perceptions about Africa, highlighting its economic growth, innovation, and potential on the global stage.
His dedication to telling African stories with fairness and depth earned him widespread respect. In 2013, he was listed among the 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine.
The BBC News Komla Dumor Award continues to reflect Dumor’s commitment to high-quality journalism and his belief in the power of African storytelling. The award serves as a platform for African journalists to showcase their talent, refine their skills, and contribute to global conversations about the continent.
Each year, the award has recognized outstanding journalists who have gone on to make significant contributions to media. The most recent recipient, Rukia Bulle from Kenya, used her placement at the BBC to travel to Senegal, where she reported on the Baye Fall, an unorthodox Muslim minority often misunderstood within the wider faith. Her in-depth coverage was widely praised for its sensitivity and insight.
The list of previous winners highlights the diversity and excellence of African journalism:
- 2024 – Rukia Bulle (Kenya)
- 2023 – Paa Kwesi Asare (Ghana)
- 2022 – Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya (Zambia)
- 2020 – Victoria Rubadiri (Kenya)
- 2019 – Solomon Serwanjja (Uganda)
- 2018 – Waihiga Mwaura (Kenya)
- 2017 – Amina Yuguda (Nigeria)
- 2016 – Didi Akinyelure (Nigeria)
- 2015 – Nancy Kacungira (Uganda)
With the BBC’s ongoing commitment to nurturing African journalism, the 10th edition of the Komla Dumor Award presents another opportunity for a rising star to gain invaluable experience, expand their storytelling skills, and bring fresh African narratives to the world.
As the search for the next recipient begins, aspiring journalists from across the continent are encouraged to seize this opportunity and apply before the March 20 deadline. This award not only serves as a stepping stone to international recognition but also ensures that Komla Dumor’s vision of amplifying African voices remains alive and impactful.
