Awards for Journalistic Excellence in Guinea

The Republic of Guinea, led by a military government that took power through a 2021 coup, is in the throes of an uncertain transition that the new leadership has promised will result in democratic reforms. For democracy to become established and flourish, independent journalists must be trained to perform their essential function as watchdogs for the public interest.

To this end, the Awards for Journalistic Excellence in Guinea recognize the outstanding achievements of Guinean journalists thus far. With winners invited to attend an in-person workshop and receive reporting grants, this prize will also equip them to carry out this vital work and become bulwarks against the return of corruption, human rights violations and the neglect and mismanagement that created the conditions for the coup.

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) and the U.S. Embassy in Guinea are partnering on the Prize for Excellence in Journalism in Guinea. The Prize honors independent journalists who produce enterprising stories of the highest caliber and groundbreaking reporting that informs communities and holds public officials accountable. 

The awards recognize excellence in eight categories: Audio Reporting, Visual Reporting, Investigative Reporting, Editorial Writing, Feature Writing, Courage in Journalism, Accountability Journalism, and Reporting on Critical Gender Issues. 

Award winners received a special invitation to attend an intensive, three-day, in-person journalism training program in Guinea in May 2024. Three prize winners have been selected to receive $1,000 reporting grants in addition to their prizes. Grantees will also receive one-on-one mentorship during their reporting projects.

The winners of the 2024 Prizes for Excellence in Journalism in Guinea are as follows:
Audio Reporting: Fatoumata Keita
Visual Reporting: Kadiatou Toure
Investigative Reporting: Hadja Kadé Barry
Editorial Writing: Faceley Konate
Feature Writing: Mamadou Diawo Barry
Courage in Journalism: Sally Bilaly Sow
Accountability Journalism: Adama Hawa Bah
Reporting on Critical Gender Issues: Sayon Kourouma