The Association pour la Valorisation de la Francophonie (AVF) has launched "Les Lauréats de la Francophonie," an initiative aimed at promoting and recognizing outstanding francophone journalism. The launch took place on September 24, 2026, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. This initiative seeks to give visibility to productions that contribute to better informing and understanding societies within the francophone space.
According to Jacqueline Nizet, president-founder of the AVF, the goal is not to create just another award but to establish a rendezvous that highlights talented journalists. The initiative focuses on promoting rigorous, free, curious, responsible, and humane journalism. For the first edition, the AVF will distinguish journalists and productions that remain little known beyond their local or professional circles.
The contest is open to professional and early-career journalists, regardless of their country of origin or practice, as long as their submissions are in French. Two categories have been established: written reportage and video reportage. Submissions must address a theme of public interest within the francophone space and will be evaluated based on journalistic rigor, public interest, treatment quality, originality, and adherence to professional principles.
The AVF has outlined that the reportage occupies a central place in this first edition. According to Jacqueline Nizet, a great reportage does not necessarily start with a significant event but can begin with a person, a neighborhood, an injustice, or a barely visible change. The initiative aims to encourage journalists to tell stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Two laureates will be distinguished at the end of the contest, one in each category. They will receive the "Les Lauréats de la Francophonie" trophy and an official diploma. Additionally, they will benefit from a four-day professional stay in Paris, fully covered by the AVF, which includes meetings with media professionals and Francophonie actors.
The choice of Abidjan as the launch site holds particular significance, given Côte d'Ivoire's status as one of the 21 founding countries of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation, now known as the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). The AVF plans to expand the initiative to literature, arts, culture, creation, and media in future editions.
The call for applications for "Les Lauréats de la Francophonie" opened on September 24, 2026, and will close on January 31, 2027. The award ceremony is scheduled for March 20, 2027, on the occasion of the International Francophonie Day. This initiative offers a new platform for francophone journalists to share their work and perspectives.
Key points
- The AVF's initiative aims to promote high-quality francophone journalism.
- The contest is open to journalists from all over the francophone world.
- The initiative plans to expand beyond journalism to other fields in future editions.
