Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
Applications are open for the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards, which recognise journalists and media professionals across Africa for published work that raises awareness on key social issues. Winners can receive USD 500 per category, with categories including print, online, radio, and multimedia.
About the Awards
The Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards invite journalists and media practitioners across Africa to submit impactful published work that helps raise awareness on urgent social issues.
The awards aim to encourage media coverage that supports advocacy, education, and social change across African regions.
Focus Areas
Entries should address one or more of the following themes:
- Breaking infertility stigma
- Supporting girl education
- Women empowerment
- Ending child marriage
- Ending female genital mutilation (FGM)
- Stopping gender-based violence (GBV)
Award Amount
- USD 500 for each category
Categories include:
- Print Media
- Online Media
- Radio
- Multimedia
Note: The selection committee may choose multiple winners per category depending on the quality and number of submissions.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must be journalists or media practitioners from:
- Southern African countries
- West African countries
- East African countries
- African French-speaking countries
- African Portuguese-speaking countries
Applicants can belong to:
- Print media
- Radio platforms
- Online media
- Multimedia platforms
Entry Requirements
To qualify, submissions must:
- Be already published
- Be publicly accessible
- Address at least one of the award themes
- Be submitted in an eligible media format
Why This Opportunity Matters
These awards are valuable because they support journalism that drives awareness and social impact on important issues affecting communities across Africa.
They especially recognise work that contributes to:
- Public education
- Social advocacy
- Gender equality
- Protection of women and girls
- Reducing harmful stigma and practices
How to Apply
Suggested Steps
- Select a published story or media piece
- Confirm it addresses one or more of the listed themes
- Ensure the work is publicly available
- Identify the correct category:
- Online
- Radio
- Multimedia
- Submit the application through the official Merck Foundation awards process
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting unpublished work
- Sending content not available in the public domain
- Choosing the wrong media category
- Submitting work unrelated to the listed social themes
- Applying from outside the eligible African regional groups
Quick Facts
- Award Name: Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards
- Target Group: Journalists and media practitioners in Africa
- Award Amount: USD 500 per category
- Categories: Print, Online, Radio, Multimedia
- Themes: Infertility stigma, girl education, women empowerment, child marriage, FGM, GBV
FAQ
1. What are the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards?
They are awards for African journalists and media practitioners whose published work raises awareness on important social issues.
2. How much is the award?
The award is USD 500 for each category.
3. What types of media are accepted?
Print, online, radio, and multimedia submissions are eligible.
4. Can unpublished work be submitted?
No. Entries must already be published and publicly accessible.
5. Who can apply?
Journalists from eligible African regions, including Southern, West, and East Africa, as well as French-speaking and Portuguese-speaking African countries.
6. Can there be more than one winner in a category?
Yes. The selection committee may award multiple winners per category depending on submission quality and volume.
Conclusion
The Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards offer a valuable opportunity for African journalists to gain recognition for impactful reporting on critical social issues.
With USD 500 awards, multiple media categories, and a strong focus on advocacy, the programme is ideal for journalists whose published work helps advance awareness, equality, and social change.
For more information, visit Merck Foundation.