2026 is shaping up to be a powerful year for African writers ready to claim their space, build their audience, and tell the stories only they can tell.
1. Major Prizes & Competitions: The Caine Prize for African Writing, Commonwealth Short Story Prize, Short Story Day Africa Prize, Miles Morland Foundation Writing Scholarship, Kwani Manuscript Project, The Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets, The Brunel International African Poetry Prize.
2. Residencies & Fellowships: Sylt Foundation, Miles Morland Foundation, Wits Writing Centre & African Cities of Literature Initiatives.
3. Independent & Community-Focused Publishers: Cassava Republic Press, Farafina Books, Ouida Books, Huza Press, Modjaji Books — and you can always send submissions to us.
4. Digital Magazines & Platforms: Brittle Paper, Jalada Africa, Lolwe, Omenana, The Johannesburg Review of Books.
Choose 3 opportunities, block out writing sessions, join a community space, and update your author hub. Put yourself out there!