Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire – Fatou Sylla, a journalist with the state-owned daily Fraternité Matin, has been awarded the Super Ebony prize for 2025, the highest distinction in Ivorian journalism. The award was presented on , during the Nuit de la Communication held in Yamoussoukro.
Sylla’s recognition comes after winning three awards in different categories: a special prize for human rights reporting, the award for best investigative journalism in the print media, and an additional award for her investigative work. These accolades positioned her as the frontrunner for the Grand Prix, which ultimately led to her being named Super Ebony 2025.
The Super Ebony prize acknowledges Sylla’s dedication to rigorous and impactful journalism in Côte d’Ivoire. According to reports, the jury praised her professionalism, commitment, and the social impact of her reporting. She succeeds Faustin Ehouman, also of Fraternité Matin, who received the Ebony award in 2024.
Sylla’s career with Fraternité Matin spans nearly five years. Her work focuses on social issues, and she is known for her precise and sensitive coverage of significant events in the country. She was previously nominated for the Ebony Prize in both 2022 and 2023, demonstrating a consistent record of high-quality journalism.
Prior to joining Fraternité Matin, Sylla gained experience at several other Ivorian media outlets. She began her journalism training at the Université de l’Atlantique, following a BTS in business communication. Her early career included a traineeship at L’Inter, followed by seven years at Nord-Sud Quotidien, where she honed her writing skills and developed expertise in investigative reporting, covering topics ranging from society to the local economy.
She further expanded her experience at Pro-Immo, the magazine of the chamber of urban planners, and contributed to L’Avenir in 2021 before ultimately joining Fraternité Matin. Since then, she has distinguished herself through investigations into public health, governance, and access to information, consistently prioritizing accuracy, fact-checking, and balanced reporting.
The award ceremony, part of the Nuit de l’Excellence du journalisme ivoirien, also served as an opportunity to recognize the broader landscape of Ivorian media. Jean-Claude Coulibaly, President of the National Union of Journalists of Côte d’Ivoire (UNJCI), used the occasion to express the press’s gratitude to President Alassane Ouattara for his ongoing support of peace, social cohesion, and national stability.
Coulibaly highlighted the President’s vision for the media sector, noting that his actions have contributed to the stabilization and strengthening of the national media landscape. He also thanked the Secretary-General of the Presidency for her availability and responsiveness to journalists, fostering a climate of trust between the media and state institutions.
Alongside the Super Ebony prize, Sylla received a vehicle, provided by Rimco Motor, and other awards. The recognition underscores the importance placed on quality journalism in Côte d’Ivoire and the role of the media in promoting democratic values and informed public discourse. The Super Ebony prize is seen as a significant achievement within the Ivorian media community, acknowledging not only journalistic skill but also a commitment to ethical and impactful reporting.
The awarding of the Super Ebony prize to Fatou Sylla reflects a broader trend of recognizing excellence in African journalism. The prize itself has become a benchmark for quality and integrity within the Ivorian media sector, encouraging journalists to pursue in-depth reporting and contribute to the public good. Sylla’s win is expected to inspire other journalists to uphold the highest standards of professional practice.
