The BBC News Komla Dumor Award is back, and this year marks a special milestone—its 10th anniversary.
The prestigious award, which honours the legacy of the late Ghanaian broadcaster Komla Dumor, is calling for applications from rising stars of African journalism.
What Is the Komla Dumor Award?
The award seeks to uncover and promote exceptional journalistic talent from across Africa. The winner will spend three months at the BBC headquarters in London, gaining invaluable skills and experience.
They’ll also have the opportunity to travel to an African country to report on a story they’ve researched, with their work broadcast to the BBC’s global audience.
Applications close on 20 March 2025 at 23:59 GMT, so aspiring journalists have plenty of time to prepare their submissions.
Honouring a Legend
Komla Dumor was a trailblazer in African journalism. As the host of Focus on Africa, the BBC’s first dedicated daily TV news programme for African audiences, he brought African stories to the world with depth, insight, and integrity.
His sudden passing in 2014 at the age of 41 left a void in the industry, but his legacy lives on through this award.
“I am proud of Komla’s impact at the BBC,” said his widow, Kwansema Dumor. “Our family is thankful to the BBC for remembering him through this prize.”
Why This Award Matters
The Komla Dumor Award is more than just a prize—it’s a platform for African journalists to tell their stories on a global stage.
Past winners, like Kenya’s Rukia Bulle, have used the opportunity to shed light on underreported issues.
During her placement, Bulle reported on the Baye Fall, an unorthodox Muslim minority in Senegal, bringing their story to a worldwide audience.
Jonathan Munro, BBC News Global Director and Deputy CEO, emphasized the award’s significance: “Marking its 10th anniversary is a testament to Komla Dumor’s powerful legacy. Past winners reflect the exceptional talent across the continent, and I look forward to welcoming this year’s winner.”
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Komla Dumor’s Legacy
Komla Dumor’s career was nothing short of remarkable. After a decade of broadcast journalism in Ghana, where he won the Ghana Journalist of the Year award, he joined the BBC in 2007.
He quickly became a leading voice, hosting programmes like Network Africa, The World Today, and Africa Business Report.
In 2013, Dumor was named one of the 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine. His work not only elevated African journalism but also inspired a generation of storytellers.
How to Apply
If you’re a journalist with a passion for telling African stories, this is your chance to shine.
The BBC is looking for candidates who embody Komla Dumor’s commitment to robust, dynamic journalism.
To apply, visit the BBC’s official website before the deadline on 20 March 2025.
