Applications are now open for the 2026 Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards, an initiative of the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) in partnership with the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organisation behind Wikipedia.
The awards celebrate outstanding African journalists whose work prioritises accuracy, depth, inclusion, and ethical reporting, while contributing to the expansion of reliable knowledge about Africa on Wikipedia and other Wikimedia platforms.
About the Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards
Journalists play a critical role in shaping how Africa’s stories are told and preserved. The Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards recognise journalists whose well-researched reporting provides reliable sources that Wikimedia volunteer editors can use to build and improve content on one of the world’s most visited knowledge platforms.
By supporting high-quality journalism, the awards help ensure that Africa’s people, history, culture, and contemporary issues are accurately represented and accessible to a global audience.
Award Categories
Submissions are accepted in the following categories:
- Women and/or Youth
- Arts, Culture, Heritage and Sports
Articles should focus on Africa-related topics and demonstrate strong journalistic integrity and depth.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2026 Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship & Residency: Be a citizen of an African country and primarily reside on the African continent.
- Topic Relevance: Articles must focus on Africa and relate to one of the award categories (Women and/or Youth; Arts, Culture, Heritage and Sports).
- Publication Date: Articles must have been published between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025.
- Language: Submissions must be published in English or French. French submissions must include an English translation.
- Original Work: Articles must be the applicant’s original work and demonstrate in-depth analysis and/or investigative reporting.
- Proof of Publication: Applicants must provide a direct link (URL) to the published article.
- Accuracy & Reliability: Submissions must be factual, well-researched, and free from misinformation.
- Ethical Standards: Articles must demonstrate respect for human rights and adherence to professional journalistic ethics.
- Accessibility: Articles must be accessible without a paywall. If the article is paywalled but freely available elsewhere, a link to the free version is acceptable.
- Submission Limit: Only one nomination per journalist is allowed.
Prizes and Benefits
Award recipients will receive the following:
- First Place:
- USD 2,000 cash prize
- Certificate of recognition
- Opportunity to attend a Wikimedia Community Conference in 2026, where the winner can engage with Wikimedia volunteers and share professional insights
- Second Place:
- USD 1,000 cash prize
- Certificate of recognition
- Special Mention:
- One additional nominee will receive a Special Mention from ICFJ and the Wikimedia Foundation
All awardees, including special mentions, will receive public recognition across ICFJ and Wikimedia platforms, including websites, media features, and social media.
Total prize pool: USD 3,000
Application Timeline
- Submissions Open: February 2, 2026 (15:00 UTC)
- Submissions Close: March 1, 2026 (23:59 UTC)
- Awardees Announced: June 16, 2026
Why African Journalists Should Apply
This award is an excellent opportunity for journalists who want to:
- Gain international recognition for impactful reporting
- Support open access to credible African narratives
- Connect with the global Wikimedia journalism and knowledge community
- Strengthen their professional profile and credibility
Apply for the Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards
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