2026 Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards

Job Description

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Applications are now open for the 2026 Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards, an initiative presented by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) in partnership with the Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit organization behind Wikipedia. The awards celebrate African journalists whose reporting exemplifies accuracy, depth, and inclusion, and whose work contributes to reliable content that editors can use to expand Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects.

These awards highlight the essential role journalists play in shaping knowledge, ensuring that the global understanding of African culture, history, and society is well represented and accessible.

Award Overview

The Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards recognize journalists whose published work, between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, demonstrates originality, ethical reporting, and contribution to public knowledge.

Eligibility Criteria

• Geography: Applicants must be African citizens residing primarily on the African continent.
• Relevance: Submissions must focus on African issues, specifically in one of the award categories:
  • Women and/or Youth
  • Arts, Culture, Heritage and Sports
• Language: Articles must be published in English or French. French submissions should include an English translation.
• Originality: Work must be the applicant’s own, offering in-depth analysis or investigative reporting.
• Proof of Publication: Submit a URL or link to the published article. Articles behind paywalls are acceptable if fully available elsewhere online.
• Reliability and Accuracy: Articles must be well researched, accurate, and adhere to high journalistic standards.
• Ethical Conduct: Submissions must respect human rights and demonstrate responsible reporting.
• Accessibility: Articles should be freely accessible online, ensuring public access to knowledge.
• Limit: Only one submission per journalist is allowed.

Award Categories

1. Women and/or Youth – Articles highlighting issues affecting women and young people in Africa.
2. Arts, Culture, Heritage and Sports – Reporting on African cultural life, heritage preservation, arts, or sports.

Benefits

• First Place: USD 2,000, a certificate of recognition, and an opportunity to attend a Wikimedia Community Conference in 2026 to share journalistic experiences.
• Second Place: USD 1,000 and a certificate of recognition.
• Special Mention: One additional nominee will receive a recognition from ICFJ and the Wikimedia Foundation.
• Public Recognition: All awardees will be celebrated publicly via media coverage and featured on ICFJ and Wikimedia Foundation platforms.

Important Dates

• Submissions Open: February 2, 2026, 15:00 UTC
• Submissions Close: March 1, 2026, 23:59 UTC
• Award Announcement: June 16, 2026

How to Apply

Interested and qualified journalists should submit their published article following the criteria above before the deadline of March 1, 2026, 23:59 UTC. Only complete submissions with proof of publication will be considered.

This award offers African journalists a unique platform to gain recognition for their work while contributing to the expansion of accessible knowledge through Wikipedia and related Wikimedia projects.