Fellows will promote gender equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and democracy by countering misinformation and enhancing the visibility of these topics on Wikimedia.
Code for Africa (CfA) is offering stipend‐based fellowships to four (4) African Wikipedians-in-Residence to strengthen ecosystem defense by addressing gender disparities, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and closing content gaps on xenophobic practices in South Africa, ensuring a more inclusive and informed digital space in Southern Africa and its neighboring countries.
These fellowships are part of a joint initiative between CfA and Norwegian Embassy of Foreign Affairs, under its African Wikipedian Alliance (AWA) initiative, to address content gaps, organise edit-a-thons, facilitate technical training, and establish partnerships with organisations dedicated to strengthening ecosystem defense in the fellowship’s thematic focus in Southern Africa and neighboring countries ; South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and Mauritius on Wikimedia projects. Fellows will enhance the visibility of critical topics such as gender equity, LGBTQ+ rights, democracy, among others.
Fellowship Details:
• Number of awards: Up to 4 Fellows
• Duration: 6 months
• Award amount: Each Fellow receives a stipend of USD 575, including reimbursement for contributors.
• Additional support: Onboarding and technical training, incentive for contributors, one-on-one mentorship, and ongoing support from CfA’s Team.
Applicants must:
- Be a registered Wikimedian with at least two (2) years of experience as an editor and belong to the event organiser user group.
- Ideally be based in Southern Africa (SADC region) and neighbouring countries (exceptional applicants from elsewhere in Africa may be considered).
- Be fluent in English (Bilingual is a plus).
- Have experience organising edit-a-thons and other Wikimedia events.
- Have experience building topic lists and facilitating technical training.
- Have experience fact-checking content on Wikipedia or be willing to learn.
- Have experience in community mobilisation.
- Possess an interest in the fellowship’s thematic (Gender equity, LGBTQ+ rights, or climate issues) focus.
- Be an active contributor to Wikipedia and/or Wikidata / WikiCommons with a verifiable portfolio.
- Have no history of blocks or sanctions on Wikimedia projects.
- Demonstrate the ability to track contributions and submit reports efficiently.
- Be willing to participate in mentorship, training, and outreach activities.
- Comply with AWA’s and the Wikimedia policies on attribution, privacy, and friendly space guidelines.
Complete this form to apply for the fellowship.
Deadline for submission: 14 January 2026.