This piece is sponsored by Africa Soft Power Group
The winner of the 2024 Climate Change Photo Essay Prize has been announced as Garba Bakura from Nigeria. The judging process, executed anonymously and over two rounds, was carefully structured to ensure fairness and precision across different criteria. His insightful work In Search for A Drop highlights the increasing importance of water and the transportation systems supporting farming communities now completely surrounded by desert.
In addition to Bakura, four other finalists will be showcased in the exhibition:
Ahmed Abubakar Bature (Nigeria): After the Waters: Tales of Flood, Displacement, and Resilience;
Jules Munyantore (Rwanda): Caught in the Tide of Change;
Adedolapo Boluwatife Abimbola (Nigeria): Invitation to Invade; and
David Olayide (Nigeria): Zero Green.
Furthermore, four submissions have received significant commendations. These include:
Edgar Kanyike (Uganda): Lake Victoria – aka Nalubaale – Takes Over;
Aida Namukose (Kenya): Men of the Water;
Cheikh Oumar Diallo (Senegal): Victim or Responsible; and
Hamadomo Timothe Guindo (Mali): Architecture Traditionnelle.
Growing Urgency, Evolving Perspectives
Now in its second year, the prize invites individuals aged 18-30 from Africa and its diaspora to submit 3-5 photographs that collectively depict the impacts of climate change on our planet today. This year’s theme, “At a Crossroad: Climate and Change,” emphasizes the necessity of Africa-centric narratives within the global sustainability discourse – a perspective often seen through a western lens, despite Africa’s long history at the forefront of social and environmental change.
“Insights from Africa on climate change are vital, especially from youth, as these issues will increasingly affect their everyday lives,” stated Nkiru Balonwu, founder of the ASP Group. “The judges viewed Bakura’s work as outstanding; however, all finalists – along with many submissions that did not make it to the final exhibition – displayed an exceptionally high standard, which made our selection process quite difficult. This year, we received an overwhelming number of entries, demonstrating a strong desire to address this crucial topic.”
Professional Assessment
The judging panel comprised five experts from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise:
Adenrele Sonariwo (Nigeria): Founder, Rele Gallery & Rele Art Foundation;
Mario Macilau (Mozambique): Multi-Disciplinary Artist and Activist
Paula Moreno (Colombia): Founder, Corporación Manos Visibles
Kojo Boakye (Ghana): VP, Public Policy, Africa, Middle East and Türkiye, META and
Adriana Barbosa (Brazil): Founder & CEO, PretaHub.
Choosing photography as the medium was a deliberate decision, given its ability to communicate universally about a global challenge that requires collaboration across demographics. Additionally, the growing visual language adopted by young people on social media positions photography as an excellent entry point for engaging them in meaningful discussions on this pressing issue.
Along with being included in the international exhibition, Bakura will receive a cash prize for his winning submission, coupled with expanded media support to promote his work. All participants in the contest retain full copyright over their submissions.
