Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards 2026
The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) in partnership with the Wikimedia Foundation has launched the second edition of the Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards to celebrate the contributions of journalists in Africa who prioritize accuracy, depth and inclusion in their reporting.
The awards recognise 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. African journalists living on the continent are invited to self nominate articles they have written that help expand knowledge about Africa.
Read up on the award criteria and categories below before submitting your work on our dedicated page.
A key goal of communities in the Africa region is to increase participation in the movement by drawing attention to persistent knowledge gaps and the need to diversify content on Wikipedia about Africa, aligned with movement goals and the Foundation’s regional priorities. By generating more awareness in the journalism sector the Awards aim to help educate people about knowledge gaps and raise awareness about movement efforts to close them .
Collaboration with ICFJ
[edit]This year, the Wikimedia Foundation is collaborating with the ICFJ to co-create and run the award through an equity fund grant. ICFJ enables a global network of tens of thousands of journalists to provide the trustworthy news essential to free and strong societies. They collaborate with journalists, technologists, civil society, researchers and others to forge stronger, more effective news and information ecosystems. They have experience in managing awards and will help the Wikimedia Foundation refine the award process started in 2023.
Read up on the award criteria and categories below
Award Criteria
[edit]The awards are open to journalists including Wikimedians who meet the following 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.
What we are offering award recipients
[edit]- 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. They will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Wikimedia movement.
- 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.
Award Categories
[edit]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.
Key dates
[edit]- Submissions open: 2 February, 2026, 15:00 UTC
- Submissions close: 22 March, 2026 23:59 UTC
- Awardees announced: 16 June, 2026
How to submit
[edit]To find out more about the awards and how to make submissions visit https://www.icfj.org/our-work/open-knowledge-journalism-awards
Frequently asked questions
[edit]Can I nominate someone else’s article for this award?
[edit]No. Only self nominations are being accepted.
Which topics must my article cover?
[edit]We are accepting articles that cover issues related to Women and/ or Youth and Arts, Culture, Heritage and Sports.
My article is in Portuguese, Swahili, or any other language that is not English and French. Can I submit a translated version?
[edit]This year’s awards are focused on articles published in English or French only. Those submitting articles in French will be asked to include an English translation.
I am a blogger. Can I nominate a personal blog post I have written on one of these topics for the award?
[edit]No, personal blog posts will not be considered for the awards.
I am a radio broadcaster. Can I submit a program for the awards?
[edit]The awards are open for written, published articles online. Broadcast programs will not be considered for this iteration of the awards.
My article is not available online. Can I still submit it for the awards?
[edit]We are only accepting articles that come with a verifiable URL or web link.
I am African, but I don’t live on the continent. Can I nominate an article?
[edit]This award seeks to recognize journalists who are living on the African continent and writing stories about Africa.
I am an African Wikimedia volunteer, living in Africa, who is also a journalist. Can I nominate myself for this award?
[edit]Yes, African members of the Wikimedia community that are living in Africa, who are also journalists can nominate published articles to be considered for the award.
I am African, but I write for an international paper. Can I still submit my article?
[edit]Articles can be published in international outlets. As long as they are about Africa, and by African journalists living on the continent.