Record-Breaking Sanlam Journalism Awards Return with New Entry Rules for 2026
Sanlam has officially opened entries for the 2025–2026 Sanlam Group Financial Journalism Awards, marking another milestone for one of Africa’s most prestigious honours in business reporting. Celebrating over five decades of excellence, the awards continue to recognise journalists who shape public understanding of economics, finance, and corporate developments across the continent.
Co-sponsored by Santam, Sanlam’s short-term insurance business, the awards have rewarded top-tier financial journalism in South Africa since 1974 and across Africa since 2013. This follows a record-breaking 50th anniversary edition in October 2025, which attracted 237 entries, the highest in the awards’ history.
Entries Now Open: Journalists Urged to Submit Their Best Work
Entries opened on 12 December 2025 and will close on 28 February 2026. Journalists working anywhere on the African continent, across print, digital, radio, television and podcasts, are invited to submit work published between 1 January and 31 December 2025.
All entries must be submitted online through the official Sanlam Group Financial Journalism Awards webpage.
An independent panel of seasoned professionals, including retired editors, media trainers, academics and economists, will judge submissions using criteria such as news value, impact, depth, originality, accuracy, analytical insight and storytelling quality.
Panel chair Mr Nixon Kariithi says the awards reflect the rapid evolution of journalism across Africa.
“Fifty years on, the awards show one thing clearly: financial journalism in Africa is accelerating fast. Our journalists are innovating, adapting and harnessing new tech – AI included – to tell sharper, smarter stories,” he said.
Important Entry Rules for 2025–26
To streamline submissions and ensure fair competition, entrants must note the following key requirements:
- Only two pieces of work per entry.
- Journalists may enter no more than three categories.
- Print stories capped at 1,400 words; broadcast entries limited to 10 minutes.
- Joint entries are allowed for a maximum of two journalists, with confirmed co-author permission.
A full list of eligibility, rules and category descriptions is available on the awards’ online portal.
Nine Categories Cover Africa’s Evolving Financial Landscape
The awards recognise excellence across nine major categories:
- Business and Companies
- Economy
- Financial Markets
- Consumer Financial Education
- The African Growth Story
- ESG: Business and the Environment
- ESG: Business and Society
- Radio/Audio/Business Podcasts
- Television/Video
Winners will be celebrated at the awards gala in July 2026, to be held in Johannesburg.
A Legacy of Credibility
As one of Africa’s most influential financial journalism competitions, the awards continue to support and elevate reporting that drives transparency, economic participation and public understanding.
Sanlam, a pan-African financial services leader operating in 26 countries, and Santam, South Africa’s largest general insurer, continue to use the awards to strengthen journalism and promote ethical, insightful financial reporting across Africa.