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The Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bayreuth invites journalists to submit their work for the 7th BIGSAS Journalist Award 2027. With a total prize fund of 3,000 Euro, the award recognises outstanding German-language journalism that offers nuanced, critical and multifaceted perspectives on Africa and its diaspora. The award ceremony will take place in Bayreuth in November 2027 as part of the celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS).

Africa and its diaspora often feature in German-language media coverage primarily in connection with crises, conflicts and disasters. Yet such perspectives fail to reflect the diversity and complexity of African societies and diasporic experiences. The BIGSAS Journalist Award seeks to encourage journalism that moves beyond familiar stereotypes and one-dimensional narratives, offering fresh perspectives on political, social, economic and cultural developments.

The award recognises journalists whose work contributes to a more differentiated understanding of Africa and its global connections. It is not about promoting exclusively positive stories, but about acknowledging well-researched, critical and contextualised reporting that reflects the complexities of African realities.

An Award with a History

The idea for the BIGSAS Journalist Award emerged in 2010, during the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Media coverage surrounding the first World Cup held on the African continent prompted discussions about how Africa was portrayed in German-language journalism and inspired the creation of an award dedicated to encouraging more nuanced reporting.

First presented in 2011, the BIGSAS Journalist Award has since recognised journalists whose work challenges established narratives, questions stereotypes and brings lesser-known perspectives to wider public attention. The 2027 edition continues this tradition, explicitly welcoming contributions addressing the African diaspora alongside reporting on the African continent itself.

Call for Submissions

Journalists are invited to submit German-language contributions published in print or online media between 1 July 2024 and 30 April 2027. Submissions may address a wide range of subjects relating to the African continent, African societies or the African diaspora. The deadline for submissions is 15 May 2027.

All entries will be evaluated by a jury comprising BIGSAS alumni and members of the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence. The award carries a total prize fund of 3,000 Euro, and the winners will be honoured at a ceremony in Bayreuth in November 2027. The ceremony will form part of the celebrations marking 20 years of BIGSAS, highlighting the close connections between academic research, journalism and public engagement.

Further Information and Applications

Detailed information on eligibility, submission requirements and the application procedure is available on the BIGSAS Journalist Award 2027 website.

Please note: As the award is dedicated to German-language journalism, the application pages and submission information are provided in German. These pages will be expanded and updated as further details become available, and prospective applicants are encouraged to check them regularly for the latest information.