Deadline: November 15, 2025
Are you a playwright with a passion for storytelling? The Alexander Nderitu World Literature Prize 2025 is now open for entries. This prestigious international literary award invites original, one-act stage plays from writers across the globe, offering an exciting opportunity to showcase talent and creativity on a global stage.
About the Alexander Nderitu World Literature Prize 2025
The prize was established by Kenyan-born writer and critic Alexander Nderitu to recognise and promote outstanding stage plays. It celebrates originality, creativity, and literary excellence in the field of drama writing.
The Alexander Nderitu World Literature Prize 2025 is unique in its global reach and inclusivity, welcoming submissions from writers worldwide as long as the work meets the outlined guidelines.
Prize Package
The winner will receive:
- Kshs 50,000 cash award
- A one-year online promotion campaign
- Feature on the cover of The African Griot Review magazine
This combination of financial support and professional exposure ensures the winner gains recognition while building their literary career.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: November 15, 2025
- Longlist Announcement: December 2025
- Shortlist Announcement: February 2026
- Winner Reveal: April 2026, at a special literary event
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to writers aged 18 years and above, from anywhere in the world
- Plays must be written in English only
- No translations, adaptations, or previously published/performed works are allowed
- Each submission must be an original, unpublished, and unperformed one-act play
- Manuscripts must be between 10–15 pages (suitable for a 10–15-minute performance)
- Single author only (collaborations not allowed)
- A maximum of three entries per writer
- The playwright’s name should not appear in the manuscript (for anonymity)
- Plagiarism or use of AI tools for writing leads to disqualification
- No entry fee is required
Submission Guidelines
- Format your play as a PDF document.
- Send your submission by email to: submissions@theafricangriot.com
- Use the subject line: 2025 Alexander Nderitu Prize for World Literature Submission
- In the body of your email, include the following details:
- Title of your play
- Full name
- Nationality
- Age
- Daytime telephone number
- Email address
- A short bio (maximum 300 words)
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can enter? | Writers globally, aged 18+ |
| What to submit? | One-act, original, unpublished and unperformed play (10–15 pages) |
| Deadline? | November 15, 2025 |
| Competition stages | Longlist (Dec 2025) → Shortlist (Feb 2026) → Winner (Apr 2026) |
| Prize includes | Kshs 50,000, one-year promotion, magazine feature |
Why You Should Apply
This is more than just a prize—it’s an opportunity to gain global recognition and have your work promoted in influential literary spaces. Winning could be the breakthrough that elevates your writing career.
📌 Ready to Submit Your Play?
👉 Need help with your application? Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review to strengthen your submission and increase your chances of success.
