ICFJ and Wikimedia Foundation Seek Applications for Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards in Africa – Apply Before 1 March 2026

Eligibility: African journalists based in Africa
Prize: Up to USD 2,000

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), in collaboration with the Wikimedia Foundation, has opened applications for the 2026 Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards (OTKJA). The awards recognise African journalists whose reporting contributes to closing knowledge gaps about Africa on Wikipedia.

Journalists may self-nominate articles published in 2025 that expand reliable, well-researched coverage of Africa’s diverse experiences. Submissions are accepted in English or French.

Purpose of the Awards

The Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards highlight the essential connection between quality journalism and open knowledge platforms. Wikipedia depends on credible, published sources to create and improve articles. As a result, journalists play a central role in shaping the global knowledge ecosystem.

Although Wikipedia contains more than 65 million articles in over 300 languages and receives nearly 15 billion monthly views, significant gaps remain in coverage related to Africa. These awards aim to encourage reporting that helps address those gaps and ensures the continent’s stories are documented with accuracy, depth, and visibility.

Focus Areas

Submitted articles must address one of the following thematic areas:

• Women and youth
• Arts and culture
• Heritage
• Sports

Articles must demonstrate high standards of journalistic integrity and be published in reliable outlets during 2025.

Award Prizes

The awards recognise excellence in reporting with the following distinctions:

• First Prize:
  • USD 2,000 cash award
  • Opportunity to join Wikimedia volunteers at a Community Conference in 2026
• Second Prize:
  • USD 1,000 cash award
  • Certificate of recognition

All awardees will be publicly announced.

Why This Initiative Matters

Wikipedia is one of the top ten most-visited websites globally and the only one operated by a nonprofit organisation, the Wikimedia Foundation. The platform relies on volunteer editors who can only add content supported by credible citations from reliable sources.

By strengthening the relationship between African journalists and open knowledge platforms, the awards aim to:

• Promote evidence-based reporting
• Increase representation of African perspectives
• Support inclusive and accurate documentation of the continent’s contributions
• Encourage collaboration between journalists and knowledge communities

The initiative further strengthens ICFJ’s partnerships across Africa, including collaboration with Code for Africa under ICFJ+, to expand access to trustworthy information and civic intelligence.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be African journalists based in Africa
• Submit one article published in 2025
• Ensure the article is written in English or French
• Demonstrate adherence to professional journalistic standards
• Address at least one of the specified focus areas

Only one submission per applicant is permitted.

About the Wikimedia Foundation

The Wikimedia Foundation is the nonprofit organisation that operates Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. It supports the technology, infrastructure, and policies that enable volunteers to share reliable knowledge worldwide. Established as a United States 501(c)(3) organisation, the Foundation works to ensure free access to information across languages and regions.

In January 2026, Wikipedia marked its 25th anniversary, underscoring its enduring role as a global knowledge platform powered by volunteer contributors.

About the International Center for Journalists

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) supports a global network of journalists dedicated to delivering trustworthy news essential to free and informed societies. Through its innovation-focused initiatives and partnerships, ICFJ promotes stronger information ecosystems and advances civic intelligence worldwide.

How to Apply

Eligible journalists must submit their applications before 1 March 2026. Applications are open from 2 February 2026 and must include the nominated article published in 2025.

This award presents a significant opportunity for African journalists to gain recognition for impactful reporting while contributing to a more complete and representative global knowledge base.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization hosting the awards. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.