This year’s awards, the third edition since 2024, received an overwhelming response, drawing 424 total entries from 277 journalists across the region. The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is pleased to announce the final shortlist for its annual Excellence in Media Awards, recognising outstanding journalism across West Africa. Entries came from nine countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Guinea, and Benin.