If you are a talented journalist based in Africa with a passion for storytelling and broadcasting, applications are now open for the BBC News Komla Dumor Award 2025. Now in its 10th year, this prestigious award offers a three-month fully funded placement at the BBC headquarters in London, providing an opportunity to work with leading journalists, develop skills, and report on African stories for a global audience.
BBC News Komla Dumor Award Summary
Location: London, United Kingdom
Host Institution: BBC News
Award Type: Professional Development Fellowship for Journalists
Fields of Work: Journalism, Digital Media, Broadcast Journalism, Storytelling
Funding and Coverage: Fully funded
Duration: Three months (September–December 2025)
Application Deadline: March 20, 2025
Start Date: Early September 2025
Eligible To: Journalists currently living and working in Africa
BBC News Komla Dumor Award Overview
The BBC News Komla Dumor Award was established in honor of Komla Dumor, a renowned Ghanaian journalist and BBC World News presenter, who was dedicated to telling authentic African stories with depth, accuracy, and integrity.
The award seeks to recognize and support an exceptional journalist from Africa, equipping them with training, mentorship, and exposure to the global media industry. The winner will work alongside BBC News teams, participate in high-level training, and produce a story that will be broadcast across the BBC’s international platforms.
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows journalists to develop their skills, strengthen their storytelling, and gain valuable experience in international journalism.
Benefits and Coverage
The BBC News Komla Dumor Award is a fully funded opportunity that covers:
Flights to and from London for the duration of the placement.
UK visa fees (arranged and paid for by the BBC).
Accommodation in London for three months.
Basic journalist salary (subject to tax and deductions).
Mentorship from top BBC journalists.
Training at the BBC Academy, one of the world’s leading journalism training institutions.
Opportunity to produce and report an African story for BBC platforms.
Eligibility Criteria
Be a journalist currently living and working in Africa.
Demonstrate excellent journalism skills, including digital media and social media expertise.
Preferably have broadcasting experience (radio, TV, or online journalism).
Have a strong broadcasting voice and presence.
Be able to identify and pitch a compelling original African story.
Have a deep knowledge of African current affairs, including politics, business, culture, and sports.
Be fluent in English (spoken and written).
Not be a current or former BBC employee.
Additional requirements:
Candidates must provide a CV (maximum two pages).
Must hold or be able to obtain by March 31, 2025, a passport valid until at least January 31, 2026.
Must have an employer willing to release them for three months from September 2025.
The UK visa requires candidates to have a degree or be studying toward a UK Bachelor’s degree equivalent from a recognized university.
Shortlisted candidates will need to provide references, proof of employment, birth certificate, passport, and proof of English proficiency.
Application Procedure
1. Prepare Required Documents
CV (maximum two pages)
Passport details (valid until at least January 2026)
Employer consent letter confirming release for three months
Original African story pitch
2. Submit Your Application
Apply online via the BBC Careers Portal
Ensure all materials are submitted before March 20, 2025 (11:59 pm GMT)
3. Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and further assessments.
The final awardee will be notified personally.
🗓️ Application Deadline: March 20, 2025
ℹ️ Contact Information: For any queries, reach out to bbchr@bbc.co.uk
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
Comments