Deadline Date: June 15, 2026
Harambee Africa International Foundation has announced the 11th edition of the International Award “Conveying Africa – Telling the Africa that Surprises,” aimed at promoting an authentic narrative that reflects the complexity, vitality, and transformative energy of the African continent.
The focus areas are: promoting an authentic narrative, far from stereotypes, that reflects the complexity and vitality of the African continent; an Africa that surprises with its creativity, the resourcefulness of its people, locally generated solutions, community strength, cultural richness, and social and technological innovation; giving space to stories that reveal a continent in transformation, not denying the difficulties, but highlighting the daily commitment, courage, and capacity for change.
Priority themes include education and training as fundamental tools for the integral development of the person and sustainable societal progress; human dignity, to be respected in every context, regardless of social, economic, or cultural background; solidarity and cooperation as essential elements of community life; the family as a fundamental nucleus for personal and social growth; positive integration in Western societies, promoting intercultural understanding and harmonious coexistence; innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship serving the common good; and access to clean and sustainable energy as a key driver of human development and social inclusion, enabling education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and community resilience.
The monetary prize (subject to applicable tax regulations) is € 1,500 for each winner in categories A, B, and C and a total of € 500 for the young creatives in category D.
The competition invites audiovisual productions that tell stories of development, innovation, inclusion, and solidarity, offering fresh and original perspectives on contemporary Africa. The award seeks to amplify voices and narratives that highlight Africa’s dynamism and diversity, showcasing the continent’s people as agents of change and creators of innovative local solutions.
To ensure fair evaluation, the competition is divided into four categories based on the producer’s profile. Category A includes professional individual productions created by video-makers, journalists, or independent professionals, with a maximum duration of 60 minutes. Category B is for non-profit organization productions created by organizations with social aims, also with a maximum duration of 60 minutes. Category C covers commercial entity productions created by agencies, broadcasters, or production companies with greater technical and financial resources, limited to 60 minutes. Category D is dedicated to young creatives under 25, featuring short videos of up to 5 minutes. For this category, direct experience in Africa is not required, but the stories should reflect themes of personal growth, resilience, coexistence, solidarity, integration, and inclusion.
The International Award emphasizes the importance of portraying Africa through a lens of empowerment and innovation rather than limitation. By showcasing authentic stories of transformation and resilience, the initiative seeks to shift global perceptions of Africa and inspire creative storytelling that celebrates its evolving identity.
For more information, visit Harambee Africa International Foundation.
