Deadline: March 1, 2026.

The Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards, presented by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) in partnership with the Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit that runs Wikipedia, celebrates the contributions of journalists in Africa who prioritize accuracy, depth and inclusion in their reporting. 

The awards recognize the essential role journalists play in creating well-researched articles that volunteer editors can use as source materials to develop content on Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. Their work helps to grow the knowledge base on one of the world’s most visited websites, so that it is more reflective of the topics, events and people that influence the understanding of culture and history through the ages. 

AWARD CATEGORIES

African journalists living on the continent can self-nominate articles they have written under the following categories chosen with the help of Wikimedia contributors in Africa.

Women and/or Youth

Article topics can include (but are not limited to) the following areas:

• Showcasing the various achievements of women and young people in different facets of life, including in politics, economics, business, the development sector, and poverty alleviation
• Highlighting issues affecting Africa’s youth, including the impact of migration, unemployment and access to opportunities
• Showcasing young people who are making a positive impact on the continent

Arts, Culture, Heritage and Sports

Article topics can include (but are not limited to) the following areas:

• Advocating for the preservation of local languages, arts, and cultural practices that celebrate Africa’s rich heritage
• Showcasing the entertainment industry, including traditional cultural dance and music on the continent
• Sports reporting that showcases African sportspersons
• Stories about monuments, natural parks, and other geographic areas of interest

AWARD CRITERIA

• Geography: Journalists must be citizens of a country in Africa, and primarily reside on the African continent.
• Relevance: Articles should be about the African continent, and relate to issues about: Women and/or Youth and Arts, Culture, Heritage and Sports (see more information below about the award categories). Submissions must include published work in reliable publications and meet high standards of journalistic integrity. 
• Publishing date: Articles should have been published between January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
• Language: Articles should be published in English or French and we ask French submissions to include an English translation.
• Originality: The articles should be your own original work, with in-depth analysis and/or investigative reporting.
• Proof of publication: African Wikipedia editors acknowledge that online written sources are much more “accessible and easy to verify.”  Proof of the article’s publication should be supplied in the form of a link/URL.
• Reliability and accuracy: Articles that are submitted must be accurate and well researched, without seeking to misinform or misrepresent facts. Objective, well researched articles ensure that the information on Wikipedia is accurate.
• Ethical conduct: Because ICFJ and the Wikimedia Foundation respect human rights, we are looking for articles that are developed with the utmost respect for people. We seek journalists who demonstrate ethical conduct and adherence to journalistic standards.
• Accessibility: Wikipedia promotes access to free knowledge. Because of this, articles must be made available for viewing without a paywall. If your article is behind a paywall and also available in full elsewhere online, that is acceptable.
• You can only submit one nomination for this recognition.

BENEFITS

What they are offering award recipients

• First-place award recipient will receive USD 2,000, a certificate of recognition and an opportunity to join Wikimedia volunteers at one of their Community Conferences in 2026. While there, the award recipient will have the opportunity to share more about their experiences as a journalist, and some of the challenges and opportunities they see in their work.
• Second-place award-recipient will receive USD 1,000, and a certificate of recognition.
• Special Mentions: One special mention will be given to one additional nominee by the ICFJ and Wikimedia Foundation.
• All awardees (including special mentions) and their work will be celebrated publicly, including in the media, on the Wikimedia Foundation and ICFJ’s websites and social media channels.

Find more information on the OFFICIAL WEBSITE