AFP photographer Luis Tato wins Visa d’Or for Madagascar protest coverage

Spaniard Tato won the Visa d’Or prize for news photography for his coverage of Generation Z protests in Madagascar. — AFP pic

First Published: Sunday, 06 Sep 2026 9:00 PM MYT

PERPIGNAN (France), Sept 6 — Agence France-Presse photographer Luis Tato on Saturday won the top prize at the prestigious Visa Pour l’Image photojournalism festival in Perpignan, France.

Spaniard Tato won the Visa d’Or prize for news photography for his coverage of Generation Z protests in Madagascar.

His work on the story had already been recognised at the World Press Photo Awards in April.

Accepting the award, 37-year-old Tato paid tribute to festival founder Jean-Francois Leroy, who died on Monday.

Leroy, he said, had given him an early break in 2018 when he showed his work for the first time.

Tato also acknowledged the young people of Madagascar, who “knew how important it was that their story be told”.

Agence France-Presse photographer Luis Tato on Saturday won the top prize at the prestigious Visa Pour l’Image photojournalism festival in Perpignan, France. — AFP pic

In September 2025, student-led protests erupted across Madagascar over failing public services, corruption, and economic hardship. When President Andry Rajoelina dissolved his government but refused to resign, demonstrations intensified.

“I think this global movement of young people who are trying to redefine democracy and transform their societies is a very interesting dynamic, which fascinates me both as a photographer and as someone who seeks to understand the world we live in,” said Tato.

Based in Kenya, Tato covers east Africa and the Indian Ocean region for AFP.

His work has already been recognised in several photography competitions, including three times at the World Press Photo awards; at the Pictures of the Year International, Sony World Photography Awards and NPPA Best of Photojournalism.

The exhibitions featured at the Visa pour L’Image event are on display in venues around Perpignan until September 13. — AFP