NOW OPEN: Africa Science Journalism Awards (ASJA) 2025

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Are you an African journalist or scientist passionate about telling powerful science stories? Applications are now open for the 2025 Africa Science Journalism Awards (ASJA), recognizing outstanding reporting on health, climate and environment, and agriculture across the continent. Apply below: 

When is the Application Deadline?

The application deadline is 4 July 2025, 1700HRS, East African Time (EAT) 

Tell Me About The Africa Science Journalism Awards:

The Africa Science Journalism Awards (ASJA), launched by the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation), celebrate excellence in health, science, and development reporting across Africa. This prestigious initiative aims to amplify the visibility and impact of science coverage on the continent and is supported by the Gates Foundation, with additional support from the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ). ASJA recognizes outstanding journalists, editors, and scientists who promote science communication, especially in the thematic areas of health, climate and environment, and agriculture. In its second edition, the award seeks to strengthen science journalism in Africa, enhance media engagement, and promote reliable science voice

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Which Fields are Eligible?

Science & Journalism

Type:

Journalism award

Related:

Who can Apply for the Africa Science Journalism Awards?

The eligibity criteria include:

  • Submissions must have been published between January 2024 and June 30th, 2025ย 
  • Open to journalists who are citizens or permanent residents of an African country, and who are permanently or primarily resident in Africa, working in local or international print, broadcast, or online media. Submissions may be published by either local or international outlets, provided the reporting is rooted in the African context.ย 
  • Entries must focus on health, climate and environment, or agriculture, as outlined by the SFA Foundationโ€™s thematic areas.ย 
  • Editors applying for the Editorโ€™s Award must represent publications based only in Africa.ย 

How are Applicants Selected?

Judges will consider the following:  

1. Impact and Reach 

  • The story addresses a significant and timely science-related issue relevant to African audiences.ย 
  • The reporting effectively conveys the importance of the topic and its broader scientific or societal context.ย 
  • The story is well-structured and engaging, ensuring accessibility to a wide audience.ย 

2. Quality and Creativity 

  • The story is well-researched, factually accurate, and demonstrates a clear grasp of the subject matter.ย 
  • Complex scientific ideas are explained in a way that is accessible, engaging, and easy to understand.ย 
  • The storytelling approach is original and compelling, with a strong narrative that captivates the audience.ย 
  • The journalist demonstrates creativity in framing the story, using innovative angles or storytelling techniques to enhance reader or viewer interest.ย 
  • The piece demonstrates strong journalistic integrity, thorough research, and responsible reporting.ย 

Which Countries Are Eligible?

African countries 

Where will the Award be Taken?

World Conference of Science Journalists.

How Many Awards?

Total of 7 awards across the following categories:

  • Best Story (Print and Broadcast) โ€“ 2 winners
  • Early Career Journalist (Print or Broadcast) โ€“ 2 winners
  • Innovator Award for Editors โ€“ 2 winners
  • Science Champion โ€“ 1 winner

What is the Benefit of the Africa Science Journalism Awards?

The award benefits imclude:

  • Monetary prizes:
  • $1,500 each for Best Story, Early Career Journalist, and Science Champion winners.
  • $2,000 for each Editor Award winner.
  • Plaques awarded to all winners
  • Pitch fees for stories published after the award engagement.
  • Workshop participation for shortlisted candidates.
  • Immersive learning experience at a research institution (3 days to 1 week).

How to Apply:

Submit via the online application website. No application fee is required.

Visit the official webpage

Author

  • Mercy Awofiranye is a writer, storyteller, and study abroad counselor who has spent nearly a decade turning complex information into engaging and helpful content. With over 1,000 education-focused articles and scholarship posts online, she has built a reputation for making study abroad opportunities clearer and more accessible. She currently works as a study abroad counselor at EdXtra, leveraging her expertise to guide students through their academic journeys. She holds certifications in the United States Counselor Course from ABCC and Ethical Business Practice in International Student Recruitment from TrainHub, reinforcing her commitment to ethical and informed student advising. Beyond writing and counseling, Mercy enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring new ideas because for her, learning never stops.