Call for Entries: 2025 African Fact-Checking Awards-Promoting Journalism Excellence in Africa
Entries are now open for the 2025 African Fact-Checking Awards, the longest-running awards programme that celebrates fact-checking journalism across the African continent. The awards aim to honor journalists, journalism students, and professional fact-checkers for their work in verifying important claims relevant to Africa.
Eligibility and Criteria
To qualify for the 2025 awards, entries must have been published or broadcast between 1 May 2024 and 7 June 2025. The fact-check should focus on claims about topics originating in or relevant to Africa, concluding that the claim is either misleading or false.
Awards Categories:
- Fact-Check of the Year by a Working Journalist
- Fact-Check of the Year by a Professional Fact-Checker
- Fact-Check of the Year by a Student Journalist
Prizes:
- Working Journalist: US$3,000 (Winner), $1,500 (Runner-up)
- Professional Fact-Checker: US$3,000 (Winner), $1,500 (Runner-up)
- Student Journalist: $2,000 (Winner), $1,000 (Runner-up)
Judging Criteria:
Entries will be evaluated on the following aspects:
- Significance: The importance of the claim investigated and its potential societal impact. How critical was it for the public to know the truth about this claim? What could have been the consequences if the claim remained unchecked?
- Testing: The rigorousness of the investigation. Did the fact-checker thoroughly test the claim against available evidence? Was the process fair and balanced while assessing the evidence?
- Presentation: The clarity and accessibility of the presentation of the evidence. Was the fact-check well-structured, easy to understand, and engaging for a broad audience?
- Impact: The effect of the fact-check on public discourse. Did it lead to corrections or corrections by others? Was the fact-check widely shared or cited by other media outlets or organizations?
How to Apply:
- Deadline: Submissions must be made before midnight GMT on 7 June 2025.
- Entry Guidelines: Please review the terms and conditions before submitting.
To submit your entry, visit the official awards website and fill out the online form, attaching the necessary documentation as required.
Past Success and Expectations for 2025:
In 2024, there were 241 entries from 29 African countries. Organizers anticipate even greater participation in 2025, highlighting the growing importance of fact-checking in African journalism.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be recognized for your impactful work in promoting truth and transparency in media across Africa. Apply today and contribute to improving information accuracy on the continent.
