Electrical counterfeiting (the use of fake electrical products) is rampant in Africa.  Many lives and properties have been lost as a result of fire outbreaks stemming from this problem.

To reward journalists who raise awareness about this issue through investigative reports, Schneider Electric, a France-based multi-national corporation that specializes in energy management, launched its first ever Media Awards on Electrical Counterfeiting in Africa. Journalists from Nigeria and Senegal are the first recipients of the award.

The Nigerian journalist, Adedeji Ademigbuji, Senior Correspondent at The Nation Newspaper won the award  for his article  entitled “Checking the menace of fake electrical products.” Birame Faye, the Senegalese journalist,who is a reporter at Le Quotidien newspaper, also won an award for his piece entitled “Electricité – Usage des produits contrefaits : De l’insécurité dans notre confort domestique.“

Both winners will soon be invited to France where they will receive their prizes during a ceremony to take place in the presence of Mme Tracy Garner – Global Anti-counterfeiting Manager – Schneider Electric.

 Photo Credit: African Press Organization/Schneider Electric