Top 20 Writing Competitions Open to African Creatives in 2025
From now until December 2025, these contests give African writers the stage to shine globally.
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1. Kayode Aderinokun Poetry Prize
Celebrating Nigerian poets, this prize offers $200 (₦300k) and recognition for young poets aged 18–35. Entries close September 25, 2025.
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2. Brunel International African Poetry Prize
A prestigious platform for emerging African poets with strong international recognition. Winners often secure book deals and global readership.
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3. Caine Prize for African Writing
The ‘African Booker,’ rewarding short fiction that showcases bold and inventive storytelling across the continent.
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4. Writivism Short Story Prize
Encouraging fresh voices from Africa, this Kampala-based competition nurtures storytelling craft through mentorship and workshops.
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5. Kendeka Prize for African Literature
One of East Africa’s rising literary awards, spotlighting both established and emerging voices in fiction.
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6. The Commonwealth Short Story Prize
A global stage where African writers compete alongside Commonwealth peers, with winners often securing international publishing deals.
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7. Miles Morland Writing Scholarship
Not just a prize but a writing fellowship, granting a year-long stipend to African writers to complete their books.
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8. African Writers Awards
A pan-African platform that includes categories in flash fiction, poetry, and children’s literature, empowering diverse voices.
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9. Etisalat Prize for Literature
Focused on debut fiction, this award has launched many African writers into international prominence.
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10. Short Story Day Africa Prize
Encouraging experimental fiction, this prize is famous for its anthologies that shape continental discourse.
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11. Toyin Falola Prize
Dedicated to African youth writers, this prize encourages stories rooted in indigenous knowledge and African identity.
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12. African Diaspora Award for Literature
Celebrates African voices in the diaspora, bridging cultures and experiences across borders.
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13. Babishai Niwe Poetry Award
One of Africa’s consistent poetry awards, spotlighting experimental and traditional verse from across the continent.
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14. James Currey Prize for African Literature
Honoring fiction with historical depth, the prize supports works that engage with Africa’s past and present.
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15. Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets
Encourages debut African poets to publish their first full-length collections internationally.
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16. Kendeka Story Prize for African Literature
Another East African initiative growing fast, highlighting diverse storytelling from the continent.
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17. ANA Prize for Literature
The Association of Nigerian Authors’ annual prize, with categories spanning prose, drama, and poetry.
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18. Ebedi International Residency Prize
More of a residency than a prize, it offers African writers a retreat in Nigeria to create new work.
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19. Kendeka Children’s Literature Prize
A new prize fostering storytelling for younger readers across Africa.
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20. African Playwriting Prize
A unique contest dedicated to African theatre, spotlighting emerging playwrights bringing African stories to the stage.
