Accra May 10, GNA- The Cable News Network (CNN) on Monday announced 17 finalists of this year's CNN African Journalist of the year competition. A statement issued by CNN International Press Office in London said the 17 finalists were from seven nations including Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Uganda and Kenya.

The rest are South Africa, Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe. The competition received entries from 30 countries throughout the continent.

It said the winners would be announced on June 19, this year, at a gala ceremony at Santon Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The statement quoted Dr Doyinsola Abiola, Chairperson of the Independent Judging panel as saying that: "It was very encouraging to see finalists for this year's competition from three Francophone Countries. This again confirms the far-reaching talent emerging from the continent and the truly Pan African nature of the competition." CNN African Journalist of the year was founded in 1995 to recognise and encourage excellence in journalism throughout Africa.