Mercedes Sayagues, originally from Uruguay, has lived in and reported about Africa for 30 years. She has survived stepping barefoot on a scorpion in the Kalahari, being taken hostage by Unita during Angola’s civil war, and expulsion from Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe for reporting human rights abuses.
She alternates years of freelancing with longer-term media projects throughout Africa. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sayagues conducted online training and mentoring of journalists in Africa, Asia and Latin America for the International Center for Journalists and the World Health Organization.
In 2022/23, Sayagues led in-person regional workshops on road safety reporting in Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur and Bogota for WHO. She researched a study for UNFPA on how Mozambique, one of the world’s poorest countries, is implementing its safe abortion law and policies. She regularly presents a radio column analyzing African issues in the news program En Perspectiva, Radio Mundo, Uruguay.
STORY TELLING
I create engaging booklets, brochures and project reports for UN agencies (UNFPA, UNAIDS, UNICEF) and NGOs. Working from annual reports and interviews, I conceptualize the structure and envision a layout concept. I craft compelling content, plan the infographics, curate quotes and people stories, and work closely with graphic and infographic designers.
JOURNALISM TRAINING
A seasoned journalism trainer and mentor, I specialize in health, gender and human rights. I have written two manuals on reporting on HIV and AIDS in Africa and trained dozens of journalists across the world to improve their skills and coverage. The topics range from road safety, mobility and liveable cities to violence against children, global malnutrition, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
EDITING AND PROOFREADING
Expert skills in editing, copyediting and proofreading academic studies, annual reports, training manuals and news stories. Proficiency in editing according to UN spelling, standards and style.
RESEARCH
I have conducted research and authored studies and policy briefs for academic think tanks, NGOs and UN agencies. Topics: HIV/AIDS, abortion in Mozambique, the experience of South African businesses in Mali, famine in Malawi, landslides in Venezuela.
JOURNALIST, NEWS ANALYST
MIRANDO AFRICA. Twice a month I discuss African issues on En Perspectiva, a popular morning news program on Radio Mundo in Uruguay. The 20-minute format allows in-depth analysis of factors and processes often overlooked in Spanish-language coverage of Africa.
