The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), in partnership with the Wikimedia Foundation, has launched a call for entries for the Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards, which recognize African journalists whose quality reporting helps close knowledge gaps about Africa. The organizations are therefore inviting African journalists to submit their work for recognition
The awards celebrate reporters who produce accurate, well-researched, and inclusive stories that expand knowledge about Africa on Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. By highlighting issues affecting women, youth, arts, culture, heritage, and sports, the awards aim to ensure that information about the continent is accessible, reliable, and reflective of Africa’s diversity and achievements.
Journalists living on the African continent are encouraged to self-nominate articles they have published between January 1 and December 31, 2025, in English or French, provided they meet high standards of accuracy, originality, and ethical reporting. Submissions should focus on topics relevant to Africa, including stories that showcase positive change, highlight achievements of women and youth, or celebrate the continent’s arts, culture, heritage, and sports.
The nominated work must be accessible online, allowing volunteer editors to use it as a reliable source for Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects.
The awards recognise African journalists who produce accurate, well-researched, and ethical reporting. Submissions should focus on topics such as women and youth, arts, culture, heritage, and sports. Stories that highlight positive change or achievements on the continent are especially encouraged. Each journalist can submit only one article published in 2025, in English or French. All work must be freely accessible online for Wikimedia editors to use as reliable sources.
Winners of the Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards will receive cash prizes, certificates of recognition, and opportunities to engage with Wikimedia volunteers at community conferences in 2026. First-place recipients will be awarded USD 2,000, while second-place winners receive USD 1,000, along with certificates. A special mention may also be given to one additional nominee.
All awardees and their work will be publicly celebrated through media coverage and on the websites and social media channels of ICFJ and the Wikimedia Foundation. The awards aim to inspire journalists to continue producing high-quality reporting that expands knowledge about Africa.
The awards are divided into two main categories: Women and/or Youth and Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Sports. In the first category, articles can highlight the achievements of women and young people in areas like politics, business, or social development, or explore issues affecting youth, such as unemployment and migration.
The second category focuses on celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage, including traditional arts, music, dance, sports, monuments, and natural landmarks. By recognising excellence across these areas, the awards aim to ensure that diverse stories from Africa are documented and accessible to a global audience.
Journalists interested in participating are encouraged to review the award criteria carefully before submitting their work. Articles must be original, fact-checked, and published in reliable sources, demonstrating ethical conduct and respect for people. Submissions behind a paywall are acceptable only if the full article is also freely accessible elsewhere online.
By meeting these standards, journalists help ensure that information added to Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects is trustworthy and useful for readers worldwide. The deadline and submission details are available on the dedicated awards page.
Applications close on March 31, 2026.
For more information, please visit: https://journalistsawards.icfj.org/open-knowledge.
