
This article is sponsored by Africa Soft Power Group
The winner of the 2024 Climate Change Photo Essay Prize has been revealed, with Garba Bakura from Nigeria taking the top honor. The judging process, conducted anonymously in two rounds, was carefully crafted to maintain fairness and accuracy across multiple criteria. His evocative piece In Search for A Drop highlights the vital role of water and the infrastructure that delivers it, particularly for farming communities 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.
Moreover, four submissions received special commendations, including:
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.
Heightened Urgency, Evolving Perspectives
Now in its second iteration, the prize invites individuals aged 18-30 from Africa and its diaspora to submit 3-5 photographs that together depict the effects of climate change currently affecting our world. This year’s theme, “At a Crossroad: Climate and Change,” emphasizes the significance of Africa-centric narratives in the global sustainability conversation – an area often perceived through a western perspective, despite Africa’s historical presence at the forefront of social and environmental transformation.
“African perspectives on climate change are vital, especially those from younger generations, as these challenges will increasingly shape their everyday experiences,” commented Nkiru Balonwu, founder of the ASP Group. “The judges viewed Bakura’s work as outstanding; however, all finalists – along with numerous submissions that did not reach the final exhibition – reflected an exceptionally high caliber, which made our selection process particularly difficult. This year, we received an overwhelming quantity of entries, clearly demonstrating a strong desire to address this critical issue.”
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.
The choice of photography as the medium was intentional, recognizing its ability to convey universal messages concerning a global challenge that requires cooperation across different demographics. Furthermore, the growing visual communication prevalent among young people on social media underscores photography as an excellent catalyst for engaging them in meaningful discussions about this pressing issue.
Aside from having his work featured in the international exhibition, Bakura will also receive a cash award for his winning submission, along with extensive media support to enhance visibility for his work. All participants in the contest retain full copyright over their entries.