Deadline: December 23, 2025
The Afritondo Short Story Prize 2026 is now open for submissions, offering an exciting platform for Black and African writers around the world. This annual literary prize celebrates fresh, original, and thought-provoking short fiction, with each edition built around a central theme that encourages bold storytelling. The Afritondo Short Story Prize 2026 invites writers to explore the theme “transition”, opening space for stories about change, passage, evolution, movement, and metamorphosis in all their forms.
Below is the full, detailed guide to help you prepare and submit your entry.
About the Opportunity
The Afritondo Short Story Prize is designed to promote emerging Black and African writers by giving them global visibility and a supportive publishing platform. For 2026, writers are invited to interpret the theme “transition” in any direction—personal, political, social, emotional, environmental, spiritual, or literal.
The judging panel for 2026 consists of three distinguished writers and literary practitioners:
- Pete Kalu
- Yvette Lisa Ndlovu
- Fayssal Bensalah
All entries will be evaluated for originality, creativity, thematic depth, and literary quality.
Eligibility
- Open to Black or African writers from any country.
- Submissions must be original, unpublished short stories.
- All entries must be written in English.
- Applicants must adhere strictly to the word count and formatting guidelines.
Benefits / Award Details
- Winner: USD $1,000
- Shortlisted writers (4): USD $100 each
- All longlisted stories will be considered for publication in Afritondo’s 2026 global anthology.
Application Requirements / Documents
Writers must submit a short story that meets the following:
- Word count: 3,000 to 5,000 words
- File type: Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx)
- Formatting:
- Double-spaced
- 12-point Times New Roman or Calibri font
- Title and word count displayed at the top of the first page
- Pages numbered
- Do not include your name or identifying information in the story document
- Entry is free (no submission fee)
Timeline / Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 23 December 2025 (submit early to avoid any issues)
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online submission form and upload their manuscript according to the specified instructions.
Selection Process
The panel of judges will review submissions in multiple stages:
- Initial Screening: Ensures eligibility and adherence to guidelines.
- Longlist Selection: Stories demonstrating strong narrative craft and thematic engagement.
- Shortlist Selection: Top five stories recognised for exceptional quality.
- Final Award Decision: One winner selected from the shortlist.
Judges’ decisions are final.
Additional Information / Terms
- Only one submission per writer is allowed.
- Co-authored stories are not permitted.
- Stories must not have been previously submitted for the Afritondo Prize in any year.
- Longlisted writers may be contacted for additional information before final publication decisions.
Host Organisation
Afritondo Press Ltd is an independent literary organisation committed to showcasing the richness and diversity of Black and African storytelling. Through annual literary prizes, anthologies, and targeted support for writers, Afritondo contributes to a more inclusive global publishing landscape.
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