Nima Elbagir, a renowned Sudanese journalist, is CNN’s Chief International Investigative Correspondent, celebrated for her fearless reporting from conflict zones. Born in July 1978 in Khartoum, Sudan, Nima Elbagir’s age is 47 as of 2025. Her net worth is estimated at $1.5 million, reflecting her successful career. Married to Mark Brit, a British diplomat, for over a decade, they share a son, Ali. Her salary at CNN is approximately $110,000 annually. This article explores her biography, career, dating history, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into her impactful journalism.
Early Life and Background: Shaping Nima Elbagir’s Journey
Born in Khartoum, Nima Elbagir grew up in a family deeply rooted in journalism. Her father, Ahmed Abdullah Elbagir, was a journalist imprisoned before her birth, and her mother, Ibtisam Affan, was Sudan’s first female publisher. At age three, Nima moved to the UK, returning to Sudan at eight before settling back in Britain at 14. This transnational upbringing shaped her perspective, blending Sudanese heritage with global awareness. Fluent in Arabic and English, she holds a BSc in Philosophy from the London School of Economics (LSE), which honed her analytical skills for investigative reporting.
Her early exposure to Sudan’s political turmoil instilled a passion for human rights journalism. Unlike many sources, which focus solely on her professional accolades, her multilingual background and dual cultural identity give her a unique lens, enabling authentic storytelling from regions like Darfur and Nigeria.
Career Highlights: Nima Elbagir’s Rise to Prominence
Nima began her journalism career in 2002 with Reuters, covering Sudan’s Darfur conflict. Her transition to broadcast journalism in 2005 with More4 News marked a turning point, where she reported on high-risk stories, including rape allegations against African Union forces in Darfur. Joining CNN in 2011, initially in Johannesburg, then Nairobi, and later London, she became a trailblazer. Promoted to Chief International Investigative Correspondent in 2022, her work spans Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
Her reporting on the 2014 Boko Haram kidnapping of 250 schoolgirls in Chibok, Nigeria, was groundbreaking, earning CNN a Peabody Award in 2015 (CNN). Her 2019 investigation into Father Luke Delft, a predator priest, exposed systemic failures in aid organizations, showcasing her commitment to accountability. In 2023, she reported on Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces using food as a weapon, a story that highlighted her courage in conflict zones (CNN Report).
Personal Life: Is Nima Elbagir Married? Dating and Family Insights
Nima Elbagir is married to Mark Brit, a British diplomat, whom she met in Sudan. After dating for three years, they wed and have been married for over a decade. Their son, Ali, born around 2016, is a central part of their lives. In a 2018 speech accepting the Excellence in International Reporting Award, Nima humorously acknowledged Mark’s support, saying, “I’m probably not the best wife, leaving messy piles of clothing while I’m away, but Mark makes me possible” (ICFJ).
Unlike many journalists, Nima keeps her dating history private, with no public records of past relationships. Her focus remains on balancing her demanding career with motherhood, a challenge she navigates with her family’s support, including her siblings in Sudan.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Insights into Nima Elbagir’s Success
Nima Elbagir’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million in 2025, an increase from earlier estimates of $1 million, reflecting her long tenure at CNN and award-winning work. Her salary, based on industry standards for CNN’s senior correspondents, is approximately $110,000 per year, though exact figures are undisclosed. Her wealth stems from journalism, speaking engagements, and potential investments, though she maintains a low profile about her finances.
Comparatively, her net worth aligns with peers like Christiane Amanpour, though Nima’s focus on investigative reporting in high-risk areas sets her apart. Her financial success underscores her status as one of the highest-earning female journalists in international news.
Awards and Recognition: Celebrating Nima Elbagir’s Impact
Nima’s fearless journalism has earned her numerous accolades:
- 2008 Foreign Press Association Awards: TV News Story and Broadcast Journalist of the Year.
- 2016 Royal Television Society (RTS): Specialist Journalist of the Year for her work in conflict zones (RTS).
- 2019 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award: For human rights reporting.
- 2020 RTS Television Journalist of the Year: Recognizing her investigative excellence.
- 2018 Courage in Journalism Award: From the International Women’s Media Foundation.
Her work stands out for its depth, often uncovering stories others cannot access due to her linguistic and cultural fluency. For example, her 2017 Libya slave market exposé led to UN sanctions against traffickers, a testament to her real-world impact.
Recent Updates: Nima Elbagir in 2025
In 2025, Nima Elbagir continues to report from volatile regions. Her recent coverage includes Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and settler violence in the West Bank, highlighting Palestinian struggles (CNN Hebron Report). She also investigated a Hamas-linked financier operating in Europe despite US sanctions, showcasing her knack for uncovering hidden networks.
Her social media presence, particularly on Twitter (@NimaCNN), offers real-time updates on her reporting, though she avoids sharing personal details. Her focus remains on amplifying marginalized voices, a mission rooted in her Sudanese heritage and personal experiences of displacement.
Unique Insights: Why Nima Elbagir Stands Out
Unlike many journalists, Nima’s bilingual skills and cultural ties to Sudan allow her to navigate complex regions with authenticity. Her 2014 Chibok reporting, for instance, included exclusive interviews with escaped schoolgirls, offering insights no other Western journalist could provide. Her ability to blend empathy with rigor sets her apart, as seen in her 2023 Sudan coverage, where she documented famine as a weapon of war—a story that resonated globally.
A case study of her impact: Her Libya slave market report not only sparked international outrage but also prompted policy changes, proving journalism’s power to drive action. This distinguishes her from peers who may cover similar stories but lack her on-the-ground access and cultural insight.
Nima Elbagir Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nima Elbagir |
| Date of Birth | July 1978 |
| Age | 47 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Khartoum, Sudan |
| Nationality | Sudanese, British |
| Ethnicity | Sudanese-African |
| Religion | Muslim |
| Education | BSc in Philosophy, London School of Economics |
| Profession | Chief International Investigative Correspondent, CNN |
| Years Active | 2002–Present |
| Marital Status | Married to Mark Brit |
| Children | One son, Ali |
| Height | 6 feet 3 inches (1.90m) |
| Weight | Approximately 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | Approximately $110,000 annually |
| Notable Awards | 2008 Foreign Press Association, 2016 RTS Specialist Journalist, 2019 duPont |
| Languages | Fluent in Arabic and English |
| Siblings | Yousra Elbagir (journalist), Safia Elbagir (doctor), one brother |
| Parents | Ahmed Abdullah Elbagir (journalist), Ibtisam Affan (publisher) |
| Social Media | Twitter: @NimaCNN |
Conclusion: Nima Elbagir’s Lasting Legacy
Nima Elbagir’s journey from Khartoum to CNN’s global stage is a testament to her resilience and dedication. At 47, her net worth, married life with Mark Brit, and salary reflect a successful career, but her true legacy lies in her fearless reporting. From Sudan to Gaza, her work amplifies the voiceless, blending personal heritage with professional excellence. Follow her on Twitter (@NimaCNN) or explore her profile on Wikipedia (Nima Elbagir) for more on her remarkable career.
