Call Closing Date: 15^th August 2025

Call Opening Date: 16 July, 2025

Introduction

OFAB-Malawi Chapter is calling for entries from all journalists reporting on sustainable agricultural biotechnologies for the OFAB Annual Media Awards for 2025. The Awards will be at OFAB-Malawi Chapter level and later culminate into the OFAB-Africa Media Awards.

The OFAB-Malawi Chapter is hosted by the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) with support from African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF). NCST was established by the Science and Technology Act No.16 of 2003 as an umbrella body responsible for promoting, supporting, coordinating and regulating the development and application of research, science, technology and innovation in order to create wealth and improve the quality of life. Over the years, NCST has played major roles in setting up biotechnology and biosafety frameworks and supported research and innovation for genetically modified crops in the country. These are in line with the aspirations of the country through both MIP-1 and MW 2063, which recognises the role of science, technology and innovation, in the attainment of the three key pillars namely: Agriculture Productivity and Commercialisation, Industrialisation and Urbanisation for creation of an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation.

The AATF is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to facilitate sustainable access of agricultural technologies to smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Driven by a vision of sustainable food security and agriculture-driven economic development in Africa, AATF established Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in 2006, to enhances knowledge and awareness on agricultural biotechnology and to build understanding of the technology and inform decision making.

About the OFAB Media Awards (OMAs)

Since its global inception in September 2006, the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB) project has played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge-sharing, raising awareness, and fostering constructive dialogue on agricultural biotechnology across Africa. As a collaborative initiative between the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and like-minded organizations, OFAB operates through country-level chapters, primarily facilitated by government bodies serving as secretariats.

Currently active in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Malawi, OFAB continues to promote informed discussions on the safety and benefits of modern agricultural biotechnology among key stakeholders.

The OFAB Media Awards (OMAs) were established to recognize and celebrate outstanding journalism that demonstrates excellence in agricultural biotechnology reporting. By honoring accurate, ethical, and impactful reporting, the awards aim to enhance public understanding and acceptance of agricultural innovations essential for food security, sustainable development, and poverty eradication in Africa.

Each year, the OMAs highlight the critical role of the media in shaping informed debates on agricultural biotechnology through responsible, professional, and evidence-based reporting on modern biotechnology. These awards underscore OFAB’s commitment to fostering a well-informed society that embraces science, technology, and innovation for agricultural transformation.

The OMAs are free and open to:

1. Accredited journalists from mainstream, digital, or multimedia platforms, including freelance journalists, content creators, and independent media professionals.
2. Practicing journalists in (insert the name of your country) are eligible.
3. All entries must have been published or broadcast between August 30, 2024, and October 30, 2025.

Award Categories

1. Print– Recognizes outstanding newspaper or magazine reporting that meets the criteria.
2. Radio– Honors compelling audio storytelling, including features, podcasts, or documentaries, that inform and engage diverse audiences on the agricultural biotechnology beat.
3. Television- Awards excellence in televised news features, documentaries, or investigative reports addressing key agricultural biotechnology themes.
4. Digital/Online Media– Celebrates innovative and impactful online journalism, including blogs, multimedia content, and digital storytelling formats that foster understanding of agricultural biotechnology.

Judging Process

The judging process is led by an independent panel of judges experienced in journalism, media development, and science communication, with expertise in agricultural biotechnology. The process involves:

1. Screening: The Secretariat reviews entries to ensure they align with eligibility criteria, submission guidelines, and completeness.
2. Scoring: Judges independently evaluate submissions using a standardized form.
3. Deliberation: Scores are aggregated, and the panel discusses justifications for top entries to reach a consensus on the strongest submissions.
4. Final Selection: Winners are chosen based on cumulative scores and panel consensus.

All judges operate under a strict conflict-of-interest policy to ensure fairness and impartiality.

Judging Criteria

Independent judging committees select the winning entries based on:

1. Evidence-based presentation of agricultural biotechnology
2. A strong commitment to balanced and comprehensive coverage of agricultural biotechnology
3. Originality: Void of any form of plagiarism
4. Clear and simple explanation of scientific jargon and concepts
5. Ability to demonstrate the role of biotechnology in agricultural development

Rules and guidelines-to ensure smooth and fair competition, all participants must adhere to the following rules:

1. Each participant may submit up to three self-appraised entries per category;
2. Any responses that exceed the word count specified in the nomination form will not be considered. All work must be original and properly attributed. Plagiarism will result in disqualification;
3. All entries must have been published or broadcast within the eligibility period (August 30^th, 2024-October 30^th 2025);
4. Submissions must include a working link or a file upload of the media product, not exceeding 10MB in size;
5. Translations or transcripts must be provided for entries not in English;
6. Access to entries: If an outlet has a paywall or limited access, the entrant must provide entries in readable PDFs. Failure to provide accessible content during the screening and judging period will result in disqualification;
7. All entries must be received by the submission deadline: September 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at country level. Chapter coordinators shall conduct OMAs events at country level and submit entries to AATF by October 31, 2025;
8. Two awards will be given in each of the four categories Ie winner and runners up. In cases of multiple authors or producers, only one representative shall attend the awards ceremony;
9. Prizes are non-transferable and non-assignable;
10. By submitting an entry, participants grant AATF the right to use the work for promotional, training, and advocacy purposes, with full attribution;
11. The judges’ decisions are final and not subject to appeal;
12. Provide digital passport size photo;
13. Submit copy of national ID/Passport; and
14. Provide evidence of Media Accreditation/Membership of a National Media Association.

Sending of the Application:

All application must be sent by close of business on 15^th August 2025 through E-mail to: directorgeneral@ncst.mw with copies to (lkampira@ncst.mw and ychimbalanga@ncst.mw).