The Evaristo Prize for African Poetry is an annual award that celebrates emerging African poets.
Originally established in 2012 as the Brunel International African Poetry Prize, it was renamed in 2023 in honour of its founder, Bernardine Evaristo. The prize continues to spotlight new voices in African poetry, helping them gain international recognition.
Aim
The prize aims to promote African poetry and provide a global platform for emerging poets to showcase their work. It seeks to introduce these poets to wider audiences, nurturing a new generation of literary talent across the continent and the diaspora.
The award is open to poets who have not yet published a full-length poetry collection.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
● Be an African poet born in Africa
● Be an African national or resident
● Have African parentage
● Have not published a full-length poetry book
Funding details
The winner receives a cash award of $1,500, and the winning poems are published by the African Poetry Book Fund (APBF).
Requirements
Applicants are required to submit ten poems, each not exceeding 40 lines. Poems may be previously published or have won other awards. Submissions must be made through Submittable.
Timeline
The submission window opens on November 1, 2025.
For more details, visit the African Poetry Book Fund website.
Discover more literary prizes on our Opportunities page.
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