Two journalists of The New Times have been recognised among this year’s winners of the Development Journalism Awards (DJA).

Michel Nkurunziza’s story was named the Agribusiness Story of the Year, and Emmanuel Ntirenganya took home the Online Business Story of the Year Award.

The 12th edition of the awards, organised by the Association of Rwandan Journalists (ARJ) in partnership with the Rwanda Media Commission (RMC), Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), and Association of Rwandan Female Journalists (ARFEM), was held on Friday, November 7, at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village.

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The event coincided with the commemoration of Africa Information Day and recognised excellence across 32 categories.

Nkurunziza, who reports extensively on agriculture and agribusiness, attributed his success to consistency and specialisation.

"Concentrating on a particular field enhances the quality and depth of one’s work. Personally, I aim to generate at least two agribusiness story ideas every week and ensure they are well-delivered," he said.

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Ntirenganya, who was rewarded for his business and development reporting, said his award was a reminder of the importance of journalism that drives positive change.

"I encourage all journalists to pursue stories that bring about meaningful change in communities,” he said.

"Winning this award motivates me to continue producing enterprise stories that inform the public about opportunities to improve livelihoods or address community challenges through well-researched, evidence-based reporting.”

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Among the 32 winners, eight were women. Radio stations dominated with 20 winners, followed by online media with six, and television with four. Radio Ishingiro and Radio Salus had the highest number of winners (seven each).

The late Marie Immaculée Ingabire was posthumously honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. According to ARJ Chairperson Dan Ngabonziza, Ingabire had requested before her passing that any contribution aimed at supporting her should be channeled to her foundation, which empowers women. The media fraternity fulfilled that wish by contributing Rwf2 million to the foundation.

Pamella Mudakikwa, a member of the judging panel, said this year’s competition attracted 178 submissions, compared to fewer entries in previous years.

"The increase in participation shows that journalists are embracing the awards,” she said.

"Out of 178 entries, 65 were from women and 115 from men. Stories were submitted in 25 of the 26 categories, except for Best Photo of the Year. Radio accounted for 61 entries, television 46, and online media 71. We focused on assessing balance, accuracy, and societal impact. However, 41 submissions were rejected for failing to meet the rules, including cases of resubmitted stories from previous editions.”

Local Government Minister Dominique Habimana, commended the media for its contribution to national development.

"The media plays a vital role in helping citizens understand government policies, highlighting both progress and existing gaps,” he said.

"We encourage journalists to keep producing impactful stories that support development.”

All winners honoured across all categories

The Feature Story Award went to Munyantore Jean Claude from KT Press, while the Health Reporting Award was won by Emilienne Kayitesi from Isango Star. Abdul Kudus Nizeyimana from Energy Radio received the ICT and Telecommunication Reporting Award.

In the Child Development Reporting category, the winners were Samuel Kwizera from Radio Umucyo, Diane Nikuze Nkusi from Umuringa News, and Yusuf Ubonabagenda from TV10.

Ruth Rigoga from RBA took home the Sports Reporting Award, and Michel Nkurunziza from The New Times won the Agribusiness Reporting Award.

The Investigative Reporting Award went to Desire Bizimana from Radio Ishingiro, while Jean de Dieu Ndayisaba from TV10 was recognised with the Disability and Inclusion Reporting Award.

The Documentary Award (Radio/TV) was presented to Bernard Nshimiyumukiza from Radio Salus, and the Data Journalism Award was won by Twahirwa Eric from Deepnew.org.

In the Hygiene and Sanitation Reporting category, the winners were Athanase Munyarugendo from Radio Salus and Phoebe Mukandayisenga from Radio Ishingiro.

The Fighting Teenage Pregnancy Reporting Award went to Innocent Habumugisha from Radio Salus, and the Gender Promotion Reporting Award (exclusive to male journalists) was presented to David Ndagijimana from Radio Ishingiro.

Jean-Paul Turatsinze from RBA received the GBV and Child Abuse Reporting Award, while Jean-Claude Nkurikiyimana from Radio Salus won the Gender Equality and Inclusion Reporting Award.

The Talk Show of the Year Award was presented to Alphonse Nkundamahoro from Radio Ishingiro, and the Governance and Service Delivery Reporting Award went to Emmanuel Bizimana from Isango Star. In the Business Reporting (Online) category, the award was given to Emmanuel Ntirenganya from The New Times.

Abraham Uwimana from IGIHE received the award for Inspiring Journeys of Self-Reliance and Poverty Eradication, while Nepomuscene Mbonimpa from Radio Salus won the Excellence in Reporting on Decentralisation Award.

Sabin Manzi from IGIHE was honoured with the award for Accessing Public Services via Digital Platforms, and Delphine Ntagara from Radio Salus received the award for Community Work in Fostering Unity and Social Responsibility. Phoebe Mukandayisenga from Radio Ishingiro won both the Best Story (by a Female Journalist) and the Best Story of the Year awards.

The Best Reporting on Domestic Resource Mobilisation and Sustainable Development Award went to Pascal Nzabahimana from Radio Salus, while the Business Reporting Award was given to Niyomukiza from Radio Ishingiro.

The Journalist of the Year Award went to Didace Niyifasha from Radio Inkoramutima, and the Lifetime Achievement Award was given posthumously to the late Marie Immaculée Ingabire.

Special Awards by ARFEM, under the project called 'Her Success Story, Our Inspiration,' went to Dorine Karungi for the Online Story, Ancille Uwera for the Radio Story, and Marie Joseline Nyituriki for the Television Story.