1. Background and Competition Overview
Since 2017, the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) has organized the Rwanda Data Journalism Award (RDJA), an annual data storytelling competition that recognizes and celebrates outstanding journalists who effectively use data and statistics to inform the public.
In an increasingly data-driven society, journalists play a critical role in transforming complex statistical information into meaningful stories that citizens can easily understand and use. Through data journalism, official statistics can reach wider audiences, support informed public discussions, and contribute to improved statistical literacy.
The RDJA provides a platform to promote excellence, creativity, and innovation in the use of data-driven storytelling, while strengthening collaboration between NISR and the media sector.
2. Award Categories
Category One: Excellence in Online/Print Data Story
Description: Recognizes the best interactive or static visualization effectively combining storytelling with a journalistic purpose and significant data use in online or print media.
- First Prize: Certificate, award, and Premier laptop
- Second Prize: Certificate, award, and a distinguished laptop
Category Two: Excellence in Radio Data Story
Description: Recognizes the best data-driven journalism in radio news stories.
- First Prize: Certificate, award, and Premier laptop
- Second Prize: Certificate, award, and a distinguished laptop
Category Three: Excellence in TV Data Story
Description: Recognizes the best data-driven journalism in TV news stories or programs.
- First Prize: Certificate, award, and Premier laptop
- Second Prize: Certificate, award, and a distinguished laptop
3. RDJA 2026 Eligibility
- Submissions are welcome from online/print and broadcast journalists. Entries must have been published or aired in English, Kinyarwanda, or French between August 1, and November 30, 2026.
- Individual journalists and freelancers from accredited media houses, media companies, non-profits, or independent freelancers are eligible to enter.
- Contestants may submit one story per category (Radio, Online/Print, TV).
- Entries produced in collaboration with government agencies, businesses, or organizations with a stake (financial or other nature) in the subject matter are not eligible. Projects created for branding or promotional purposes are excluded.
- Applicants must be Rwandan citizens or permanent residents and hold a valid media card.
- RDJA administrators retain the authority to determine entry eligibility.
4. Evaluation Criteria
i. Accuracy and Correct Use of Statistics
Correct interpretation and presentation of official statistics from NISR, including accurate figures, percentages, trends, comparisons, units, dates, and appropriate use of statistical sources.
ii. Clarity of Key Message
Communicates the main statistical findings and messages clearly and in a way that can be easily understood by the intended audience.
iii. Quality of Statistical Analysis and Interpretation
Demonstrates an ability to explain what the statistics mean by identifying important trends, differences, changes, patterns, or relationships and providing appropriate context.
iv. Strength and Relevance of the Story
Identifies a meaningful and compelling story from the data and demonstrates its relevance to society, public policy, national development, or people's lives.
v. Storytelling and Audience Engagement
Presents statistical information through a compelling narrative that captures and maintains audience interest, using appropriate examples, context, human perspectives, or supporting evidence where relevant.
vi. Communication of Data
Effectively communicates statistics using appropriate methods for the selected medium, including clear writing for print, effective verbal explanation for radio, and appropriate visual/audio presentation for television and digital formats.
vii. Use of Supporting Evidence and Sources
Makes appropriate use of official statistics, expert perspectives, relevant documents, interviews, observations, research, or other credible sources to strengthen and contextualize the story.
viii. Originality, Ethics and Attribution
Demonstrates originality, responsible and ethical use of statistics, proper acknowledgment of data sources, respect for confidentiality and privacy, and avoidance of misleading, discriminatory, plagiarized, or sensationalized information.
5. Entry Information
Entries must be published or broadcast on any media platform, including online, in print, on radio, or on television between August 1 and November 30, 2026.
Each entry must include a submission form with:
- A description of the entry (up to 100 words)
- A brief biography of the writer(s) (up to 100 words)
- For online entries: A PDF screenshot showing the story in its original format, with a link to the published piece.
- For print media entries: Entries should be submitted in scanned PDF document showing details including the Newspaper/magazine, title of the story, date of publication.
- Contestant who submits video and audio items must provide links where their entries can be accessed by judges.
6. Submission Procedures and Deadlines
- Submission Fee: None
- Submission Deadline: December 1, 2026, at 23:59 GMT. All entries must be submitted via links or URLs using an online submission form, available on the NISR website.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY
- Winners Announcement: Winners in all four categories (Online, Radio, TV, and social media) will be announced and awarded in December 2026 during African Statistics Day celebrations.