The Development Journalism Awards (DJA) is a flagship event organized by the Rwanda Journalists Association (ARJ) in collaboration with the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) and the Rwanda Media Commission (RMC).
Launched in 2012, the DJA aims to recognize and promote excellence in journalism by awarding the best-performing journalists across multiple categories. Since its inception, DJA has contributed significantly to building a professional, vibrant, and responsible media sector in Rwanda.
Winners are selected through a competitive process and are awarded cash prizes, trophies, and certificates. For many past winners, the recognition has brought greater professional exposure and opportunities.
To strengthen Rwanda’s media landscape by encouraging excellence and professionalism among journalists, promoting responsible reporting, and enhancing public trust in media.
Improving the quality of media content and promoting newsworthy reporting.
Raising journalistic standards and enhancing the profession’s reputation.
Discouraging unethical practices and promoting responsible journalism.
Providing motivation and incentives for outstanding journalists.
Recognizing outstanding work across various journalism formats.
Aligned with national priorities and development goals
In the first place, contestants will submit their works (stories/shows) from which a panel of independent judges will select the best entries basing on set criteria.
All entries will be examined through an administrative check to identify entries which qualify for the next step and those which do not fulfill submission requirements.
Next, there will be an evaluation by an independent jury to determine the best submissions
in different categories based on set criteria.
In a bid to to attract a big number of DJA 2025 contestants, call for entries will be announced through various platforms including local media outlets and social media. A press conference organised to brief the media on the organisation of the event and to encourage journalists to apply will also be held.
For more DJA 2025 visibility and that of its sponsors, radio/TV mentions and spots, web banners on online publications and social media will be utilized to spread DJA and Sponsors’ messages. DJA 2025 sponsors will be offered airtime and space in key media outlets to promote their respective services, activities and products.
The DJA 2025 awarding ceremony will take place during an evening gala dinner on 7 th November 2025 at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV). The ceremony will be live broadcast on a local television and live-streamed to reach a wide audience. The awarding ceremony will be preceded by morning discussions to mark the Africa Day of Information. The awards handover will be accompanied by entertainment in order to make the event more colorful and attractive.
There will be extensible branding opportunities such as
sponsor’s logo placement on event materials and social media.
Event will be reported by various local media; and this will boost
sponsors’ visibility through news stories that will be published.
Sponsors will interact with high profile attendees and
discuss further avenues for collaboration especially those who have some similar
goals.
Sponsors will showcase stories and projects during Development Journalism Award gala dinner by demonstrating the positive impact of Corporate social responsibilities initiatives.
RGB will recognize the sponsors by mentioning their names and this will increase their visibility since there will be live streaming of the Development Journalism Award 2025.
Attendees including officials and media
Television broadcast and online streaming
Coverage across multiple media platforms
