Nation Media Group reporter Jacob Walter was honoured on Thursday alongside three other journalists as the Common Markets for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) Media Award 2023 winners.
Mr Walter, who reports from Kenya’s largest county, Marsabit, won in the digital category with his story, Comesa keen to ease trade between Kenya and Ethiopia .
The Award panelists praised the article for highlighting efforts aimed at boosting business opportunities between Kenya and Ethiopia.
Three other winners included Mauritius’ Abdel Baulacky (TV category), Zambia’s Tryness Tembo (print), and Burundi’s Ninteretse Leonidas (radio).
Baulacky’s story, Air and maritime transport in the COMESA space, impressed the judges in the TV category, addressing regional transport infrastructure development in the aviation and maritime sectors.
Tembo's article, EU project removing bottlenecks at borders, was awarded for tackling issues in regional trade, emphasizing the role of one-stop border posts in alleviating trade barriers.
Leonidas’s radio piece, COMESA-EAC_SADC Tripartite Infrastructure Development: What's the impact? highlighted the significance of transport and ICT infrastructure in regional competitiveness, winning the radio category.
The Comesa Media Award recognises journalists from the 21 member states who contribute to regional integration awareness.
According to the bloc, the awards promote coverage of regional integration projects, raising public awareness and engagement.
The award parameters include addressing economic development topics relevant to regional integration—such as trade, aviation, energy, transport, and agriculture.
Entries are expected to reflect a regional perspective, covering more than one Comesa state and demonstrating knowledge of the blocs integration programmes.
Celebrating his win, the NMG journalist thanked his editors, friends, news sources, and his wife for their support.
“Special thanks to my editors, and NMG for the support and guidance in every step. I can’t also forget about the unwavering support of friends, news sources, and my lovely wife, Sue, for their unflinching support,” he said.
Comesa Authority Secretary-General Chileshe Kapwepwe commended the journalists for their role in championing regional unity, peace, and trade.
“We appreciate the dedication of these journalists who shine a light on the need for regional peace and stability, which are crucial for a free trade area,” she stated.
At the 23rd Comesa Summit held on Thursday in Bujumbura, Burundi, President William Ruto was named Vice Chairperson of the new Comesa Authority Bureau.
Working alongside Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye as Chairperson and Zambia’s President, who remains the bureau’s rapporteur, Dr Ruto is anticipated to assume the role of Chairperson in 2025 when Kenya hosts the 24th Comesa Summit.
