The Afritondo Short Story Prize 2026 is now open for submissions, inviting bold, creative, and powerful fiction from Black and African writers around the world. This annual prize aims to spotlight fresh voices, unique perspectives, and stories that challenge readers to see the world differently.
Each year, Afritondo selects a central theme to inspire writers, and for 2026, the theme is “transition.” The winning story will receive a $1,000 prize, along with global recognition and publication opportunities.
About the 2026 Theme: “Transition”
Transition speaks to change, both gentle and disruptive. It can mean growth, transformation, evolution, or even loss. Writers are encouraged to explore this idea in unexpected ways:
- A woman welcoming her first child
- A young person stepping into adulthood
- A community facing new realities after the death of its leader
These moments of becoming, painful or beautiful, shape human existence. Afritondo seeks stories that take risks, reinterpret the theme creatively, and reveal deeper truths about how individuals or societies evolve. A strong submission should offer surprise, emotional depth, and a lingering impact long after the story ends.
Eligibility Requirements
Writers may submit their work if they meet any of the following conditions:
- You are a citizen or national of an African country
- You have at least one parent who is a national of an African country
- You are of Black ethnicity or part of a Black minority group anywhere in the world
Also Apply For: Women in Innovation Awards 2025/2026 – £75,000 Grants
Submission Guidelines
To ensure fair and consistent judging, entries must follow these rules:
General Rules
- Submissions must be made before the official deadline
- Only one story per writer is allowed
- Stories must be unpublished and not shortlisted elsewhere
- Entries must be written in English
- Stories must reflect the 2026 theme: Transition
- Word count: 3,000 – 5,000 words
Formatting Requirements
- Submit in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx)
- Double-spaced, Times New Roman or Calibri, 12-point font
- Include the title and word count on the first page only
- Do not include your name anywhere in the file
- Number all pages
- Entries are judged anonymously
Important Notes
- Longlisted entries cannot be withdrawn
- Judges’ decisions are final
- Longlisted and shortlisted writers must provide a photo and short bio for publicity
- Selected entries will appear in the official Afritondo anthology, with authors working alongside editors during preparation
- Authors retain copyright but grant Afritondo exclusive global print and digital rights if selected for publication
Prize and Publication
The winning writer receives $1,000, while shortlisted authors gain international exposure and feature in Afritondo’s annual anthology. The prize strongly supports emerging Black and African voices, offering a platform for writers to grow their careers.
How to Submit
Entries must be submitted through the official submission link provided by Afritondo.
Only complete applications following the rules will be considered.
For more information and guideliness, visit the Afritondo Short Story Prize.
