ICFJ Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards 2026

🌍 About ICFJ Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards

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.

These 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 grow the knowledge base on one of the world’s most visited websites, ensuring it reflects the topics, events, and people that influence the understanding of culture and history through the ages.

🎁 Benefits of ICFJ Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards

• First-place award recipient:

  • USD 2,000
  • Certificate of recognition
  • Opportunity to join Wikimedia volunteers at one of their Community Conferences in 2026, where they can share their experiences as a journalist and discuss challenges and opportunities in their work.

• Second-place award recipient:

  • USD 1,000
  • Certificate of recognition

• Special Mentions:

  • One special mention will be given to an additional nominee by the ICFJ and Wikimedia Foundation.

• Public Recognition:

  • 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.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the awards, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Citizenship: Journalists must be citizens of a country in Africa and primarily reside on the African continent.
• Focus Areas: Articles should be about the African continent and relate to issues about:
  • Women and/or Youth
  • Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Sports
• Publication Period: Articles must have been published between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.
• Language: Articles should be published in English or French. French submissions must include an English translation.
• Original Work: Articles must be the journalist's own original work, with in-depth analysis and/or investigative reporting.
• Proof of Publication: Proof of the article’s publication should be supplied in the form of a link/URL.
• Accuracy: Articles must be accurate, well-researched, and objective, ensuring that information on Wikipedia is reliable.
• Ethical Standards: Journalists must demonstrate ethical conduct and adherence to journalistic standards, respecting human rights.
• Accessibility: Articles must be available for viewing without a paywall. If the article is behind a paywall but also available in full elsewhere online, that is acceptable.
• Submission Limit: Only one nomination per journalist is allowed.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 01 March, 2026
• Application Portal: View details of ICFJ Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards.
• Apply Here: Submit your application via Google Form.

This opportunity celebrates the vital contributions of journalists in Africa, fostering accurate and inclusive reporting that enriches global knowledge. Don't miss your chance to apply!

• 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.
• Second-place award-recipient will receive USD 1,000, and a certificate of recognition.
• 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.