‘Opportunity Knocks’ Wins Diageo Award for Africa Business Reporting

A feature article published in Economist on how the global financial crisis could be an opportunity for Africa to emerge from the doldrums won this year’s Africa Business Reporting Awards, sponsored by Diageo.

“Several of the African countries making the most promising strides are those with very few natural resources”, prodded Richard Crockett, in the article, ‘Opportunity Knocks’, a line that must have resonated well with the expectations of the judging panel.

“The emphasis in these good-news countries is on boosting the private sector, reducing corruption and getting the politics right… Even though the underlying problems remain daunting, and even in the midst of the world financial crash, sub-Saharan Africa has a chance to build itself anew”, Crockett wrote.

The judging panel described Cockett’s entry as “an excellent ’state of play’ article and overview of the economic situation in view of the impact of the financial crisis on Africa”.

The article was “evidently topical with an eye for detail through solid research – ‘a one-stop-shop’ for accessible information. This goes beyond telling the story—it describes why it is happening”, the judges said.

Now in their sixth anniversary year, the Africa Business Reporting Awards (ABRA) celebrate journalists and news organizations who have gone the extra mile to reveal the dynamism of African industry.

ABRA is sponsored by Diageo, a major global alcoholic beverage manufacturer, which announced Thursday the winners of the 2009 edition of the awards at a gala ceremony in London, UK.

“Despite the global economic downturn, characterized by shrinking capital flows and volatile commodity prices, submissions for ABRA reveal a continent that is still alive with opportunity”, noted Isabelle Thomas, Diageo’s  corporate relations manager.

Paul Walsh, chief executive officer of Diageo, and chair of the judging panel, said: “The current economic environment demands new ways of looking at African business. In a world marked by slowing industrialized economies, Africa offers immense opportunities for technology firms, FMCG companies, and power and water companies – to name just a few sectors”.

“Our perspectives on Africa must change too, or we will miss one of the greatest opportunities to do great business, to develop new markets and to enrich the lives of almost 1 billion consumers – a population equal to that of India”.

The work of the winning journalists reveals a resilient African business environment, not without its challenges, but full of innovation, growing and contributing to socio-economic development. In a world characterized by economic downturn, Africa remains one of the few regions in the world where growth is still being recorded, albeit at a much slower rate.

The keynote address was delivered by Gareth Thomas, UK minister for international development. “Investors and companies know that Africa is open and ready for business and that a new generation of traders and entrepreneurs are revitalizing economies across the continent”, Thomas said.

“Initiatives like the recent North-South Corridor, which will strengthen infrastructure and significantly improve transport across eight African countries are helping to attract new investment in the region”, added the minister.

Presenting the Awards, Dr Nick Blazquez, managing director of Diageo Africa, added: “The media plays a vital role in supporting Africa’s investment and private sector development. Today, more than ever before, the quality, quantity and relevance of information regarding Africa’s economies is extremely important.”

The 2009 winners are:

Best Published Feature 2009

Richard Cockett, The Economist – ‘Opportunity Knocks’

‘An excellent ’state of play’ article and overview of the economic situation in view of the impact of the financial crisis on Africa. Evidently topical with an eye for detail through solid research – ‘a one-stop-shop’ for accessible information. This goes beyond telling the story—it describes why it is happening.’

Best Radio Feature 2009

BBC World Service and Business Team – ‘Africa Slowdown Series’

‘This is exceptional radio programming and production. Bringing together high quality presentation from three country locations on a highly important and topical issue. It is complete, balanced and insightful’.

Best Television Feature 2009

Sue Beukes, Thabo Mathebula and Amanda Diergaardt, CNBC Africa – ‘Doing Business in Africa’

‘This is high-quality reporting. It’s extremely well filmed to the highest technical standards and the producers have done their homework ensuring excellent access to top-level interviewees. This is a comprehensive, lively and thoughtful piece, which leaves the viewer wanting to see more.’

Best Published Photograph 2009

Finbar O‟Reilly, Reuters – ‘The Search for Gold in Congo’

‘Remarkable photography. The journalist is clearly a gifted news photographer who bears witness to events that most of us would prefer to imagine simply can’t be happening in a modern world.’

Media of the Year 2009

This Is Africa – Financial Times Ltd

‘This publication provides a new look and feel to business coverage for the African continent. Its fresh approach through original presentation and engaging writing makes Africa’s economic affairs highly accessible to a broader audience. It breaks the mold and has ushered in a new era of reporting on Africa.’

Journalist of the Year 2009

Xan Rice from The Guardian and the New Statesman

‘Xan has written several outstanding pieces, covering a lot of ground, with deep insights and stellar writing. Potentially complex subjects receive top journalistic research and analysis that ensure the topics tackled are relevant to all readers. Focusing on a non-specialized audience, this journalist provides us with accessible, engaging and thought-provoking work, presenting key issues concerning Africa today in an easily digestible format.’

Winners received a bronze statue titled “News” by the sculptor Loni Kreuder and a cheque for £500.

Image credit: Robincd123/ Flickr