January 20, 2026
Kabul — The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) invites applications for the prestigious 2026 Afghanistan Journalist of the Year Award. Since 2014, this award has recognized outstanding journalism that advances press freedom, promotes accountability, and sheds light on critical issues affecting Afghanistan and its people.
About the Award
The Afghanistan Journalist of the Year Award honors journalists—whether individuals or teams—whose work exemplifies courage, integrity, and excellence in reporting. It seeks to highlight stories that uncover truths, inspire positive change, and elevate marginalized voices, especially those often silenced or overlooked in Afghanistan’s complex media landscape.
Eligibility & Criteria
This call is open to Afghan journalists and media organizations, including those operating inside Afghanistan and in exile. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have produced work published or broadcast between March 21, 2025, and February 13, 2026.
- Be Afghan citizens, with prior experience working with Afghan or international media outlets.
- Submit only one piece of work, either as a file or URL, accompanied by a brief biography or CV.
- Works must be in Persian/Dari, Pashto, or English.
Judging Criteria will focus on:
- Investigative journalism that has led to tangible positive outcomes or policy changes.
- Innovative reporting or media projects that improve transparency, accountability, or public awareness in Afghanistan.
- Stories highlighting issues often neglected by mainstream outlets, such as marginalized communities, human rights, and peacebuilding.
- Content that has gained recognition or coverage internationally.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit their work via email to: [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.] no later than February 14, 2026, 23:59 Kabul Time. Submissions must include:
- A clear copy or link to the work.
- A brief biography or CV.
- For broadcast or multimedia content, a transcript or translation of scripts may be required.
The AFJC team will confirm receipt within 24 hours. Only complete applications received by the deadline will be considered.
Selection & Award Ceremony
A panel of esteemed judges, selected for their expertise in journalism and human rights, will review submissions independently. The judges will then convene to select the recipient(s) based on merit. In case of a tie, a vote will determine the winner.
The laureate(s) will receive a cash prize of USD 1,000 and will be honored at the Afghanistan’s National Journalist Day event on March 18, 2026, in Brussels.
We encourage all Afghan journalists committed to truth and justice to apply. Your work has the power to shape Afghanistan’s future.