This year, the African Fact-checking Awards are in their eleventh edition. It is the oldest awards program celebrating fact-checking journalism in media outlets in Africa.
Registration for the 2024 Africa Fact-Checking Awards is open to journalists, journalism students and professional fact-checkers. In 2023, we received 236 applications from 24 African countries. We expect even more in 2024.
“ The growing number of registrations over the years, as well as the expansion of fact-checking practices in a number of countries, constitutes a significant indicator of the imperative to promote a culture of accuracy across the continent. As more and more entities engage in fact-checking, whether independent organizations, media outlets, or government agencies, there is a collective effort to verify statements and assertions public, thereby fostering a culture where accuracy is valued and misinformation is challenged. This reflects a notable trend toward emphasizing the importance of accuracy and truthfulness in information dissemination said Hlalani Gumpo, Head of Outreach and Impact at Africa Check.
She added: “ These awards celebrate people in Africa who are dedicated to the vital task of fact-checking. It is the means by which we demonstrate our appreciation and honor their diligent efforts towards transparency, thereby promoting accuracy in public discourse “.
James O’Kongo and Mary Kulundu were the 2023 winners in the Professional Fact-Checker of the Year category. O’Kongo said: “ I want to dedicate this recognition to the hard-nosed journalists and fact-checkers who are committed to keeping the public well-informed and ensuring accountability for those in positions of power. Especially in difficult times, it remains essential for all of us to fulfill our responsibilities with integrity and courage “.
Kulundu added: “ This award highlights the critical importance of holding power accountable, particularly during sensitive times of political tension within a country. Misinformation can quickly inflame tensions, making it essential for journalists and, importantly, fact-checkers to get involved and ensure that the public is not misled by propaganda “.
To be eligible, submitted articles must have been published or first broadcast between July 1, 2023 and July 14, 2024. These fact checks should conclude that a claim on an important topic, originating in or relevant to Africa , is either misleading or false.
There are three categories for these Awards:
- 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 journalism student
Winners in the categories for working journalists and professional fact-checkers will each receive US$3,000. Finalists will receive $1,500. For the category reserved for journalism students, the winner will receive $2,000 and the runner-up $1,000.
Registrations close on July 14, 2024 at midnight GMT. For more information and terms and conditions, please visit the African Fact-Checking Awards page.
Press contact: Hlalani Gumpo, [email protected].
