The Afritondo Short Story Prize is a prestigious annual award that celebrates and showcases the work of Black and African writers from around the globe. The prize encourages innovative and imaginative storytelling by inviting submissions that creatively engage with a specific theme, which changes each year. The goal is to highlight fresh perspectives and provide a platform for both emerging and established voices in fiction.
A longlist of fifteen writers is published before a shortlist of five is announced. The winner receives a cash prize, and the shortlisted stories are published in an anthology.
Financial Benefits
- Cash Prize: The overall winner receives a cash prize of $1,000.
- Publication: The top five shortlisted stories are published in a high-quality anthology by Afritondo.
- Global Recognition: Longlisted and shortlisted authors gain significant visibility and recognition within the international literary community.
Eligibility Criteria
- Identity: Open to any writer of Black or African descent, regardless of their country of residence.
- Age: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Original Work: Submissions must be original, unpublished works of fiction between 3,000 and 5,000 words.
- Theme: The story must respond to the theme announced for the 2026 prize.
Application Process
Application Deadline: The submission window typically closes in December of the preceding year. The deadline for the 2026 prize is expected to be in December 2025.
To apply, writers must submit their short story through an online portal. The theme for the 2026 prize will be announced when the submission window opens.
Application Link:
The official announcement and submission portal will be available on the Afritondo website.
Click here for the Afritondo Short Story Prize Official Page
