Deadline: February 27, 2026
The Caine Prize for African Writing 2026 is now open for submissions! Renowned as one of Africa’s most prestigious literary awards, the Caine Prize continues to recognize and celebrate exceptional short stories by African writers. Established in 2000 in memory of Sir Michael Harris Caine, the prize seeks to highlight the richness and diversity of African storytelling while promoting African literature to a global audience.
About the Caine Prize for African Writing
The Caine Prize for African Writing is an annual literary award presented to the best original short story by an African writer published in English. It aims to discover, promote, and support African literary talent, helping writers gain international visibility and opportunities for growth. Beyond the monetary award, the prize also organizes annual writers’ workshops in various African countries, nurturing creativity and fostering a community of literary excellence.
Prize and Recognition
The winner of the Caine Prize for African Writing 2026 will receive £10,000, while each of the shortlisted authors will be awarded £500. In addition to the cash award, winners and shortlisted writers gain significant exposure across literary platforms and global recognition in the publishing world.
Submission Timeline
- Applications Open: December 1, 2025 (00:01 GMT)
- Deadline for Submissions: February 27, 2026 (12:00 GMT)
All submissions must be received before the closing date. Late entries will not be considered.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Caine Prize for African Writing 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The short story must be published in English between February 27, 2021, and February 27, 2026.
- The story must be between 3,000 and 10,000 words in length.
- Only publishers can submit entries. This includes traditional publishing houses, literary magazines, journals, or arts-oriented websites.
- Self-published or unpublished stories are not eligible.
- Authors cannot submit their own stories directly; entries must be made by a recognized publisher.
- A publisher may submit multiple stories, but only one story per author each year.
Submission Guidelines
Before submitting, publishers should ensure that all entries adhere strictly to the prize requirements. Authors are encouraged to liaise with their publishers or literary platforms early enough to facilitate submission.
Submission requirements include:
- A copy of the published story in PDF format (or a file linking to the published version).
- Confirmation that the story was first published within the eligible period.
- Only one submission per author from the same publisher.
Submissions that fail to meet these criteria will not be accepted.
Why You Should Apply
The Caine Prize for African Writing 2026 offers an incredible opportunity for African writers to showcase their talent on an international platform. Winning or even being shortlisted for this award opens doors to mentorship, global readership, and participation in the Caine Prize Writers’ Workshop—an intensive writing residency hosted annually in Africa.
This competition not only celebrates storytelling but also strengthens the voices of African authors whose narratives reflect the depth, creativity, and diversity of the continent.
Key Takeaways
- Prize Value: £10,000 for the winner; £500 for each shortlisted author
- Word Count: 3,000–10,000 words
- Eligible Publication Dates: February 27, 2021 – February 27, 2026
- Submission Method: Via publisher only (no self-submissions)
- Deadline: February 27, 2026
Conclusion
The Caine Prize for African Writing 2026 remains one of the most significant literary honors celebrating African creativity and storytelling. Writers with published short stories are encouraged to reach out to their publishers to ensure timely submission. This is your chance to have your story recognized among the finest voices shaping Africa’s literary landscape.
📌 Click Here to Apply for the Caine Prize for African Writing 2026
📘 Read More About the Programme Here
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