The Stories of Africa
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
Successful applicants will be notified of their selection via email.
In 2024, hundreds of young storytellers from across Africa once again sought to challenge the dominant narratives on the continent they call home.
Ahead of the GLF Africa 2024 Hybrid Conference, the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) and the Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL) hosted a youth storytelling contest to share stories that inspire a brighter and bolder future for Africa, through videos, audios, writing, animations and other forms of media.
Here are the three incredible storytellers who won the jury’s hearts this year.
And the 2024 winners are…
In 5 years to come
Roots for riches
Why do you farm?
In 5 years to come
MusicThis spoken word piece reflects Cameroon’s ongoing struggles, urging youth across Africa to act and drive lasting change amid overlooked climate and socio-political crises.
Roots for riches
MusicSet on Kenya’s coast, this story follows Mzee Katana, who sells an ancient baobab for $400 and soon faces nature’s wrath, realizing his duty to protect the land.
Why do you farm?
ShortfilmThis short film explores agriculture’s role in Africa’s food chain, highlighting small-scale farmers, sustainable practices, climate impact, and agriculture's importance in resilience and economic growth.
MEET THE FINALISTS
A brighter coast
Storytelling For Change
Rodelenz
Clean cookstoves are saving lives, but industry says a lack of government support is stopping uptake
Save Africa; save the earth
A brighter coast
PoetryThis is a poetic story of hope, capturing the power of sunrise to revive the coast and uplift the human spirit with new beginnings.
Storytelling For Change
PoetryIn Bagamoyo, Tanzania, women are embracing seaweed farming for income and climate action. They sell raw and value-added products to build resilience, protect biodiversity and tackle pollution.
Rodelenz
StorytellingThis documentary showcases environmental activist Mr. Odemwingie, who recycles Pringles cans into LED lights for photographers, highlighting the importance of environmental preservation
Clean cookstoves are saving lives, but industry says a lack of government support is stopping uptake
StorytellingThis article emphasizes the urgent need for clean cookstoves in Ghana to combat health risks and climate impacts, particularly for vulnerable women and children.
Save Africa; save the earth
StorytellingThis story addresses how food insecurity impacts education and drives crime. It points to our collective responsibility for sustainable food systems and emphasizes the power of the people.
What is the African Storytelling Contest?
Do you have a story to share about how Africa can regenerate its landscapes, protect biodiversity, lead climate action and protect the rights and livelihoods of millions?
We believe storytelling has the power to ignite change, inspire action and connect people across borders. Following the powerful stories we heard in 2022 and 2023, the 2024 Africa Youth Storytelling Contest welcomes stories in a wide variety of formats, including video, audio, visual art, animation or another creative medium.
What’s in it for you?
The top 5 to 10 entries will be featured on our website and social media channels, as well as at the GLF Africa 2024 Hybrid Conference, reaching thousands of people in person and online.
On top of the opportunity to showcase your talent and share your story with a global audience, the three best stories will receive prizes of EUR 500, 300 and 200 respectively.
SEE BELOW FOR THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The contest is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 born in Africa, living in Africa or from the African diaspora.
THEMES
Your story should share your thoughts, hopes and dreams about a future for Africa that values community, collaboration, inclusivity and resilience. In simple words: what should a bright future for Africa look like?
Key themes for your story could include (but are not limited to) food sovereignty, sustainable food systems, biodiverse landscapes, land tenure, ecosystem restoration, gender, climate justice, Indigenous rights, community-led action, youth leadership and sustainable finance.
FORMAT
We welcome a diverse range of storytelling forms that capture at least one of the themes described above. Submissions can take various forms, including:
- Visual arts or animation: artwork (paintings, sculptures, drawing, photography, etc.) or animations
- Video: short films, interviews, documentaries, performance art – anything you like!
- Audio: original poetry, music, podcasts, etc. .
Another creative medium that showcases your unique perspective.
Please include the following in your story :
- Your full name
- Your city or town and country
- The logo of your organization (if applicable)
If your submission is in a language other than English, please also provide an English transcript in the relevant part of the application form.
Entries will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Creativity, passion and originality;
- Relevance to the the themes described above;
- Vision and pathway for the future of Africa;
- Clarity of expression and communication of ideas;
- Overall impact and effectiveness.
- We would like to encourage people from underrepresented groups to submit their story and vision.
- We will only consider original content created by applicants themselves. Please note that AI generated content will not be evaluated or accepted.
- All entries will be reviewed by a panel including the YIL Steering Committee and the GLF team.
- We will acknowledge all submissions but only contact selected candidates. The panel’s decision will be final and not subject to appeal.
- YIL and GLF reserve the right not to select a winner if no entries that they deem suitable are received.
- YIL and GLF reserve the right to use, edit or modify the final version of submissions to be presented at the GLF Africa 2024 Hybrid Conference.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
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