The ILO BRMM Journalism and Storytelling Competition 2026 invites journalists, photographers, filmmakers and content creators across the East and Horn of Africa to tell evidence-based stories about labour migration. Run under the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the competition brings the media's voice into the Fifth LMAG in Zanzibar. The first-place winner receives a fully funded invitation to the event, held from 16 to 18 December 2026.
Complete guide to the competition theme, eligible countries, entry categories, submission requirements, prizes, judging timeline and the step-by-step application process.
Quick Highlights of the ILO BRMM Journalism and Storytelling Competition 2026
Parameter
Details
Organization
International Labour Organization (ILO), through the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme
Competition
Journalism and Storytelling Competition 2026
Funder
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
Job Type
Not specified (media competition)
Location
East and Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda)
Eligibility
Journalists, photographers, filmmakers and content creators based in BRMM-covered countries, aged 18 or over on the closing date
Experience Required
Not specified
Sector
Media, journalism and labour migration
Preferred Applicants
Individual or team entries; one lead contact required for teams
Working Language
English, or French with an English summary or subtitles
The International Labour Organization (ILO) runs the BRMM Programme with FCDO funding to strengthen labour migration governance in the East and Horn of Africa. The programme also supports universities as places where evidence is produced and where young people form their views on migration.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
Regional Focus
East and Horn of Africa
Goal
Strengthen labour migration governance and promote safe, regular, orderly and rights-based labour mobility
University Engagement
Supports universities as places of evidence production and student engagement on migration
Purpose of Competition
Recognise quality media work on safe and regular labour migration, encourage responsible reporting on migrant workers, and bring the media's voice into the Fifth LMAG discussions
Competition Theme and Suggested Topics
The theme is "Safe and regular labour migration: the stories behind the journey." Entries should be compelling, evidence-based stories that highlight the experiences, challenges and contributions of migrant workers.
Topic
Details
Pathways to overseas employment
How people access jobs abroad and what safe, regular and well-managed labour migration looks like in practice
Risks of irregular migration
Dangers of irregular migration, including exploitation, human trafficking and the practices of unlicensed or unscrupulous recruiters
Migrant workers' experiences
Realities of working abroad and the challenges and opportunities people face upon returning home
Young people's migration decisions
Why young people consider working abroad, how they make migration decisions, and the information and support they need to make informed choices
Contribution of migrant workers
How migrant workers contribute to families, communities and national economies through skills, knowledge and financial resources
Entry Categories and Requirements
All categories are judged against the same criteria, and one overall winner is selected.
Category
Requirements
Story (print, online or audio)
Original article or feature of 800 to 1,500 words, or an audio piece of up to 8 minutes
Photography
Photo story of one to five images with captions of up to 50 words each, in high resolution
Video
Up to 8 to 10 minutes, with subtitles in English if the language is not English
Animation
Up to 3 to 5 minutes, with subtitles in English if the language is not English
Eligibility Criteria
Requirement
Details
Eligible Countries
Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda
Eligible Entrants
Journalists, photographers, filmmakers and content creators based in one of the BRMM-covered countries
Age
18 or over on the closing date
Team Entries
Allowed; name one lead contact, and only one team member can travel if the entry wins first place
Entry Limit
A maximum of two entries per person or team
Exclusions
ILO staff, consultants and their immediate family, and members of the judging panel cannot enter
Originality
Work must be original and produced or first published between 1 January 2026 and the closing date; previously entered competition winners cannot be resubmitted
Language
English, or French with an English summary or subtitles
AI Content
Work generated by AI tools will be disqualified; basic editing tools are acceptable
Accuracy and Consent
Facts must be accurate and sourced; do not identify trafficking survivors, children or people at risk without their written, informed consent
Dignity
Show migrant workers with dignity and avoid sensationalism
Prizes and Benefits
Prize
Details
First Place
Invitation to the Fifth LMAG in Zanzibar, 16 to 18 December 2026, with travel, accommodation, DSA and visa costs covered by the ILO, plus a place on the youth, media and research panel with a migrant worker
Second Place
A plaque and publication of the work on ILO and regional channels
Third Place
A certificate and publication of the work on ILO channels
How to Apply
Step
Action
1
Prepare the entry or a link to it, plus a short description of up to 150 words
2
Fill in the entry form with your name, organisation if any, country, category and contact details
3
Attach a copy of an identity document and a signed statement that the work is original and that consent of people shown has been obtained
4
Send two attachments to zewdiey@ilo.org with the subject line "Media Award, Country"
5
Submit before 25 November 2026, 23:59 East Africa Time
Q1. What is the ILO BRMM Journalism and Storytelling Competition 2026?
It is a media competition recognising quality work on safe and regular labour migration and bringing the media's voice into the Fifth LMAG discussions.
Q2. Who can enter the competition?
Journalists, photographers, filmmakers and content creators based in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania or Uganda, aged 18 or over on the closing date.
Q3. What is the competition theme?
"Safe and regular labour migration: the stories behind the journey."
Q4. What categories can I enter?
Story (print, online or audio), photography, video and animation.
Q5. How many entries can I submit?
A maximum of two entries per person or team.
Q6. What does the first-place winner receive?
An invitation to the Fifth LMAG in Zanzibar, 16 to 18 December 2026, with travel, accommodation, DSA and visa costs covered, plus a panel place with a migrant worker.
Q7. How do I submit my entry?
Email two attachments to zewdiey@ilo.org with the subject line "Media Award, Country".
Q8. What is the application deadline?
25 November 2026, 23:59 East Africa Time.
Q9. Can AI-generated work be submitted?
No, work generated by AI tools will be disqualified; basic editing tools are acceptable.
Q10. When will winners be notified?
Winners will be notified on 30 November 2026, after judging on 26 to 27 November 2026.
Final Call-to-Action
Step
Action
1
Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria and age requirement
2
Prepare your original entry in one of the four categories
3
Complete the entry form and signed originality statement
4
Email your submission to zewdiey@ilo.org before 25 November 2026
5
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