African Investigative Journalism Conference

The winner of the #AIJC2026 African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award is @wicks_jeff of @News24! His expansive series of investigations around South African tenderpreneur Vusi "Cat" Matlala "showed the heart of accountability journalism," said judges. Congrats, Jeff! 👏

Special mention was given to 2nd runners-up - Kenya's @naipanoilepapa and collaborators Julia Lindblom of @GoteborgsPosten and Ahmed Abdigadir of @SvD - for "Your Eyes, Their Data". Well done to all finalists for their exemplary reporting 👏 #AIJC2026

Congratulations to our 1st runners-up in the #AIJC2026 African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award @Folathereporter & @Ola_deinde of @PremiumTimesng for "Lead in Their Blood", in collaboration with @examinationnews, showing the "missing link between science & journalism".

#AIJC2026 Awards | Speaking on behalf of this year's judging panel, Hamadou Tidiane Sy says journalists who continue to work with commitment, ethical discipline and accountability across the continent, despite the industry's widespread challenges, are all winners tonight.

COMING UP: The #AIJC2026 African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award gala ceremony takes place tonight, celebrating the very best investigative journalism produced on the continent in the last year. The top three finalists were selected from more than 200 entries received.