Africa’s next generation of photographers now has a new platform to tell the continent’s stories through their own lenses.
The Africa in Frame Photo Awards, a new regional photography initiative presented by Sony Middle East and Africa, has launched to celebrate emerging visual storytellers across the continent.
Running from 1 October to 31 December 2026, the competition brings together photographers and content creators from across Africa in what is described as the region’s first standalone photography initiative of its kind.
Africa, Seen Through African Eyes
The competition invites creators to capture the people, places, cultures and moments that define contemporary Africa.
That means there is room for far more than traditional landscape photography.
Africa in Frame opens its lens to the continent’s wildlife, fashion, sport, weddings, cultural celebrations and landscapes. Together, these categories aim to reflect the remarkable range of Africa’s visual identity.
At its heart, the initiative is about giving African creators space to show the continent as they experience it.
Three Categories. Three Perspectives.
Entries will be judged across three distinct categories:
Wild Africa
This category focuses on wildlife, conservation and landscape photography, giving creators an opportunity to capture Africa’s natural beauty and the stories surrounding it.
African Style & Spirit
This category celebrates African fashion, sport and contemporary identity, highlighting the creativity and cultural expression shaping modern Africa.
Ceremony & Celebration
From weddings to cultural celebrations, this category focuses on the people, traditions and moments that bring communities together.
Together, the three categories create a broad picture of Africa through photography.
A Platform for Emerging Storytellers
Jobin Joejoe, Managing Director of Sony Middle East and Africa, said Africa’s creative talent continues to influence global visual culture.
He said the initiative is intended to create a dedicated platform where photographers across the continent can share their perspectives.
“Photography has the power to tell stories, challenge perceptions and give people a new way of seeing the world,” said Joejoe.
He added that the competition aims to celebrate the unique perspectives emerging from Africa while supporting creators as they develop their craft and share their visual stories with a wider audience.
Three Photographers Will Take the Spotlight
The competition will recognise three winners.
Each winner will receive the Sony α7R VI with the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM, giving emerging photographers an opportunity to further develop their craft using Sony’s professional imaging technology.
The judging process will take place after entries close.
Winners are expected to be announced in mid-February 2027.
Capturing Africa on Its Own Terms
The Africa in Frame Photo Awards also reflects a wider commitment to supporting the region’s creative community.
Photographers and content creators play an important role in shaping how Africa is seen and understood, both within the continent and around the world.
By creating a platform specifically for African creators, the initiative aims to give greater visibility to the diverse visual perspectives emerging from the continent.
It is an invitation to document Africa as it is lived, experienced and celebrated by the people behind the camera.
For emerging photographers, that makes Africa in Frame more than a competition. It is a chance to put their perspective in the frame and share their vision with a wider audience.
Entries are open until 31 December 2026.
Photographers and content creators can review the full competition details, eligibility criteria and submission requirements on the official Africa in Frame Photo Awards page.
