The first-ever IGAD Media Awards ceremony was held on November 26, 2023, in Djibouti, marking a historic milestone for the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). This inaugural edition represented a bold step forward in recognising and celebrating journalistic excellence across the region.

A total of 105 entries were received from across the IGAD Member States and beyond, spanning television, radio, print, blog, and photojournalism categories. The submissions reflected a rich diversity of stories, voices, and perspectives from media practitioners committed to ethical storytelling and regional development.

At the end of a rigorous judging process, 14 outstanding entries were selected as winners and honoured during the awarding ceremony. These stories exemplified the power of journalism to inform, inspire, and drive positive change across the region.

The 2023 edition laid the foundation for what is now an annual platform to foster excellence, strengthen partnerships with the media, and amplify the role of storytelling in shaping a more peaceful, informed, and resilient IGAD region.