Three journalists from The New Times have been recognised among the winners of the 2026 Development Journalism Awards for their reporting on agribusiness, e-mobility, and water and sanitation. Emmanuel Ntirenganya, Michel Nkurunziza and Charles Nyandwi were among journalists recognised at the awards ceremony held on Friday, November 6, at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village, as part of the African Day of Information celebrations. Ntirenganya’s article won in the category of agribusiness reporting, Nkurunziza’s article won in water sanitation and hygiene reporting, while Nyandwi’s article won in e-mobility reporting. ALSO READ: Two New Times reporters win Development Journalism Awards 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), recognised excellence across 31 categories. Nyandwi said the recognition was particularly meaningful because the e-mobility category was introduced this year. He said he had not expected his reporting on the sector to earn recognition, describing the award as a pleasant surprise and motivation to improve his work. “I am grateful to The New Times for the platform and opportunity. I see this recognition as encouragement to keep learning, exploring new angles and growing professionally. More importantly, I want to do impactful journalism that informs the public, raises awareness and contributes to meaningful conversations,” he said. Ntirenganya said his winning agribusiness story examined horticulture as an emerging industry with the potential to diversify farmers’ income sources, improve livelihoods, create jobs and support the growth of agricultural exports. ALSO READ: Journalists honored for shaping public dialogue on sexual and reproductive health He said the recognition demonstrated that stories documenting progress in emerging sectors can be just as important as those highlighting challenges affecting communities. “The award has shown me that a story that documents major progress in an emerging sector can win an award, just like a story addressing a major issue of concern to the community. As journalists, we must report on issues in their proper context and always prioritise human interest and impact, with positive change as our ultimate goal,” he said. Other winners included Jean-Paul Ndagijimana of Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), who was recognised for his reporting on teenage pregnancies, and Theoneste Nkurunziza of Izuba TV, who won in the gender equality category. Marie-Jeanne Umutoni of Kigali Today received an award for reporting on violence against women and children, while Desire Bizimana of Mama Urwagasabo won in the programme of the year category. Steven Ruti of RBA's Radio Nyagatare was recognised for reporting on the role of Umuganda in promoting unity and social cohesion. Jean-Paul Hakizimana of IGIHE won for reporting on self-reliance and poverty reduction. Marie-Louise Mukanyandwi of Ubumwe received an award for reporting on access to services through digital platforms, while Nepomuscene Mbonimpa of Radio Isangano won in the category of reporting on community participation in development initiatives. Rosine Ntawurikura of Radio Salus was recognised for reporting on service delivery. David Ndagijimana of Radio Ishingiro won in the trade and business reporting category, while Pascal Nzabihimana of Radio Salus received an award for economic reporting. Gratien Hasingizwimana of Voice of Africa won for reporting on environmental protection and climate change. Jean-Bosco Bakubwiruryumve of Radio Ishingiro received two awards, including one for the best overall story and another for long-form radio and television reporting. Shalom Dufitumukiza of Radio Salus was recognised for sports reporting and programmes, while Providence Shadia Uwitonze of RBA won in the category of best story produced by a female journalist. Honore Umuhoza of Flash TV received an award for reporting on the rights of persons with disabilities, while Merci Dieu Kazungire of Radio Salus won in the justice reporting category. Gabriel Imaniriho of Isango Star was recognised for data-driven explanatory reporting. Emmanuel Mutangana of Top Africa Magazine won in the long-form online journalism category, while Janvier Bunani of Radio Ishingiro was recognised for health reporting. Patience Ishimwe Iradukunda of RBA received an award for reporting on technology and communication. In the child development categories, Aphrodice Muhire of RBA won for reporting on child development. Youssuf Ubonabagenda of Radio/Tv10 was recognised for video stories on child development, while Fidele Micomyiza Barinda of Imvaho Nshya won in the online reporting category on the same subject. Speaking at the event, Dan Ngabonziza, President of the Rwanda Journalists Association, urged journalists to use the recognition as motivation to uphold professional standards and continue producing quality work. He said journalists contribute to national development through the information they gather from communities across the country. “Your integrity and commitment to gathering different stories help the people of our country,” Ngabonziza told the winners.
