Submissions open for 2025 Narratives Against Poverty Prize

Are you a storyteller, poet, or writer with a passion for impactful narratives? The Narratives Against Poverty in Africa Literary Prize 2025 is now accepting submissions from writers across Africa and the diaspora.

Contents

Benefits Eligibility Submission Guidelines How to Apply

This unique opportunity invites voices from all 52 African countries to contribute to an anthology that shines a spotlight on pressing social issues. Selected entries, including three outstanding winners, will be featured in a published anthology available in both PDF and print-on-demand paperback formats.

The prize aims to uncover the depth of African literary talent and celebrate the continent’s rich storytelling traditions through thought-provoking and socially relevant writing.

Benefits

Three writers will be selected for special recognition based on the creativity, thematic relevance, and literary quality of their submissions. Prizes include:

Cash awards
Recognition and exposure
Opportunities for further engagement and accolades

All selected contributors will receive a copy of the anthology in PDF format and have the option to purchase the paperback edition online.

Eligibility

Open to African writers residing in any of the 52 African countries or in the diaspora.
Participants must be 18 years or older.

Submission Guidelines

You may submit up to two entries per genre (poetry, short story, essay/hybrid narrative)
Themes should explore:
- Poverty
- Hunger
- Injustice
- Corruption
- Effects of climate change
- War and violence
- Pandemics in Africa
Length limits:
- Poetry: Maximum 40 lines per piece
- Short Stories and Essays: Maximum 4 pages each
Format:
- Submit in Word document (.doc or .docx) format
- Use Times New Roman, 12-point font
- Include the title, genre, and author’s name in the subject line of the email and on every page of the document
- Attach a 15-line bio and a portrait photograph
Send your entries via email to: africanwritingprogram@gmail.com

How to Apply

Submit your entries through the official website.

Deadline: June 30, 2025

The Narratives Against Poverty in Africa Literary Prize 2025 welcomes submissions from storytellers, poets, and writers of African descent, residing either within the 52 African countries or the diaspora. This initiative seeks to compile an anthology that addresses social issues such as poverty, hunger, injustice, corruption, climate change, war, violence, and pandemics through powerful narratives. Three outstanding contributors will receive special recognition and awards, including cash, exposure, and further engagement opportunities. All selected entries, encompassing the top three, will be published in a collection available in PDF and print-on-demand formats. Participants must be at least 18 years old and can submit up to two entries per genre, adhering to specified themes and length limitations. Submissions must be in Word format, using Times New Roman, 12-point font, and include essential information like the title, genre, author's name, a 15-line bio, and a photograph. Entries need to be emailed to africanwritingprogram@gmail.com by June 30, 2025, or submitted through the official website.