Burkina Faso: Presidential awards to honor excellence in patriotic journalism
Under the leadership of President Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s Presidency has awarded five special prizes recognizing the nation’s most outstanding journalistic works. The expanded awards now cover five categories: television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, print media, online press, and national languages journalism. Each laureate receives a trophy, certificate, and a financial award of 1 million FCFA (≈$1,650) – a powerful gesture acknowledging media’s patriotic contribution to national development.
Evolving recognition of media’s role
First established in 2024 with four categories, the awards were expanded in 2025 to better reflect media’s diverse contributions to nation-building.
President Traoré, staying true to his vision of a sovereign, resilient Burkina Faso anchored in its values, directed the expansion to include coverage of key presidential initiatives in security, agriculture, energy, and territorial development.
More than symbolic gestures
These awards represent a clear political will to recognize journalists supporting through their pens, microphones and cameras – national reconstruction efforts and territorial reconquest.
In the context of counterterrorism operations and ambitious reforms, the press plays a vital role in informing, mobilizing and raising citizen awareness.
Strategic cultural shift
The inclusion of a national languages category marks a strategic shift in government communication speaking directly to people in their mother tongues while celebrating Burkina Faso’s cultural richness.
This approach ensures all citizens, regardless of education level or location, can participate in the nation’s transformation.
The honored journalists now serve as ambassadors of a new journalism paradigm one that balances press freedom with social responsibility.
As President Traoré envisions, these awards cultivate a media landscape that remains free yet conscious, engaged, and united with the Burkinabe people in their struggles and aspirations for a sovereign future.
Olivier TOE
