Does Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026 allow AI-generated images?

No. Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026 does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.

Are RAW files required to enter Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026?

Finalists may be asked to supply their RAW files for verification.

When is the Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026 entry deadline?

Entries for Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026 close on May 7, 2026.

How much does it cost to enter Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026?

Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026 is free to enter.

In judgingAfrica Geographic

Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026

Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year is the leading Africa-focused wildlife and landscape competition, published throughout the cycle as weekly editor-selected galleries. The 2026 cycle is open. Submissions must be of authentic African natural and cultural moments. The contest's AI policy is paired with an explicit RAW-file enforcement mechanism for finalists, putting it among the more rigorously verified wildlife awards.

AI bannedRAW for finalists

Deadline: May 7, 2026
Entry fee: Free entry

Official site Read full rules

Authenticity policy

AI policy

No composite images or images generated by AI will be permitted. Additionally, any software (including AI) used for post-production adjustments should be used appropriately, not to deceive the viewer or misrepresent reality.
Source: https://africageographic.com/photographer-of-the-year/2026-rules/

RAW files

They may request RAW files and higher resolution photos, and refusal will result in that photo being disqualified and any awarded prizes forfeited.
Source: https://africageographic.com/photographer-of-the-year/2026-rules/

Editing rules

Africa Geographic enforces its no-composite, no-AI rule with an explicit RAW request mechanism for finalists. Refusal to supply RAW disqualifies the entry and forfeits any prizes. The rules also prohibit the misuse of AI post-production tools to deceive the viewer or misrepresent reality, even where individual edits would otherwise be acceptable.

Verified on June 24, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026 allow AI-generated images?: No. Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026 does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
Are RAW files required to enter Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026?: Finalists may be asked to supply their RAW files for verification.
When is the Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026 entry deadline?: Entries for Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026 close on May 7, 2026.
How much does it cost to enter Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026?: Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026 is free to enter.

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