Journalist and strategic communications professional Senanu Damilola Wemakor has been nominated in the Environmental and Climate Sustainability category of the prestigious Forty Under 40 Awards, in recognition of his growing contribution to climate communication, environmental advocacy and media innovation across Africa.
The nomination acknowledges Wemakor’s leadership in using journalism and strategic communication to reshape how climate change is reported on the continent through TN Africa, a pan-African media platform, and its flagship #StoryTheChange initiative.
Over the past two years, Wemakor has led efforts to position climate journalism as a tool for education, accountability and public engagement. Through the TN Africa Digital Journalism Summit, he has convened journalists, policymakers, academics, diplomats, students and development partners to discuss climate resilience and strengthen environmental reporting.
The inaugural summit, held in Accra in 2025 under the theme “Shaping Africa’s Future Through Climate Journalism,” attracted more than 250 participants and launched the #StoryTheChange campaign. Building on its success, the initiative expanded to Kenya in 2026, bringing together over 100 participants from Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria while strengthening regional collaboration on climate storytelling.
Beyond the summits, Wemakor is spearheading the production of The Price of the Next Rain, a documentary examining the growing threat of urban flooding in Ghana and exploring practical, community-centred solutions to climate resilience. He is also leading the rollout of a Schools Climate Outreach Programme aimed at introducing climate literacy to young people, while securing GH¢1 million worth of television airtime through a partnership with the EIB Network to amplify climate awareness and environmental education.
Speaking after the announcement, Wemakor described the nomination as recognition of a broader movement rather than an individual achievement.
“This nomination is deeply humbling because it recognises something much bigger than me. It is recognition that Africa’s climate stories matter, and more importantly, that Africans must lead the telling of those stories. Through TN Africa and #StoryTheChange, we are building a platform where journalism doesn’t only report climate challenges but also inspires solutions, accountability and hope.”
He added that the recognition reinforces the need for stronger investment in African-led climate communication.
“Climate change is one of the defining issues of our generation, yet many African stories remain underreported or framed through external lenses. We want to build an ecosystem where African journalists, creators and communities are equipped to tell these stories with credibility, context and impact.”
Wemakor said the nomination would serve as further motivation to expand TN Africa’s continental footprint.
“We’re only getting started. Our vision is to build Africa’s leading platform for climate journalism and storytelling, expanding initiatives such as #StoryTheChange, our documentary projects, schools outreach programmes and the TN Africa Digital Journalism Summit across more African countries.”
A trained journalist and strategic communications professional, Wemakor is the Founder of Publiciti Africa, Lead Convener of TN Africa, and an ECOWAS Youth Council Ambassador. His career spans journalism, public relations and digital communications, with previous roles at the Ghana News Agency, EIB Network and in strategic communications for organisations and brands across Africa.
Beyond his professional achievements, he continues to support youth development, entrepreneurship and community initiatives through mentorship, partnerships and volunteer service, including his annual tradition of celebrating his birthday with children in orphanage homes.
The Forty Under 40 Awards celebrate outstanding young professionals whose leadership, innovation and impact are driving change across industries. Wemakor’s nomination in the Environmental and Climate Sustainability category highlights the growing importance of climate storytelling as a catalyst for sustainable development and public action across Africa.