The Caine Prize for African Writing takes its name from the esteemed Sir Michael Caine, the former Chairman of Booker plc.
Sir Michael Caine played a pivotal role as the Chairman of the ‘Africa 95’ arts festival held in Europe and Africa in 1995.
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Additionally, he served as the Chairman of the Booker Prize management committee for nearly 25 years.
Following his passing, friends and colleagues came together to establish an annual prize of £10,000 in his memory.
The narratives crafted during the Caine Prize workshops find their annual publication alongside the shortlisted stories in the Caine Prize Anthology.
Cassava Republic Press in the UK, along with publishers in various African countries including Jacana Media (South Africa), Cassava Republic (Nigeria), FEMRITE (Uganda), Gadsen Publishers (Zambia), ‘amaBooks (Zimbabwe), Langaa (Cameroon), and Mkuku na Nyota (Tanzania), collaborates to bring these compelling stories to readers.
- Host: AKO Caine Prize for African Writing
- Category: Competition
- Eligible Country: All African Countries
- Reward: £10,000 Award | Travel costs
- Deadline: March 31, 2024
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Caine Prize for African Writing Details
The AKO Caine Prize for African Writing operates as a registered charity with the mission of expanding the reach of African literature through its annual literary award.
Beyond managing the Prize, our efforts are dedicated to linking readers with African writers through a series of public events. Moreover, we contribute to the integration of emerging writers in Africa into mainstream publishing.
This is achieved through the annual Caine Prize writers’ workshop, hosted in a different African country each year, providing valuable support for writers entering the world of publishing.
Through the annual Caine Prize writers’ workshop, held in diverse African countries, emerging writers gain unique opportunities for mentorship, skill development, and networking within the literary community.
This initiative is designed to nurture and empower aspiring writers, facilitating their entry into the broader literary landscape.
The AKO Caine Prize is committed to fostering a deeper appreciation for African writing on a global scale.
The annual literary award serves as a catalyst, not only recognizing outstanding literary achievements but also actively engaging readers worldwide with the richness and diversity of African voices.
Our dedication extends beyond the award ceremony, as we organize public events that create platforms for dialogue between readers and African writers.
These events not only celebrate the current achievements in African literature but also contribute to building a community that values and supports the ongoing development of literary talent.
As a registered charity, the AKO Caine Prize for African Writing is driven by the belief that literature has the power to bridge cultures, broaden perspectives, and create meaningful connections.
By championing African writers and facilitating their entry into mainstream publishing, we contribute to the vibrant tapestry of global literature, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and celebrated.
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Requirement for Caine Prize for African Writing
To be considered for the Caine Prize for African Writing, the following are the requirements for the application:
The story must have been published in the five years preceding the submissions deadline. For 2024 eligibility, the judges will only consider work published between 1st April 2019 and 25th March 2024.
Entries must be more than 3,000 words or less than 10,000 words.
Entries must be submitted by a publisher. This includes publishers of physical and digital books, literary journals, magazines, and arts oriented websites.
Writers must be over 18 years of age at the time of submission.
Self-published and unpublished short stories are not eligible.
Publishers are encouraged to submit multiple short stories as long as they do not submit more than one story by the same author.
Stories may only be entered for consideration for The Caine Prize for African Writing once. Unfortunately, this means that you may not re-submit a story for consideration, even if it was not selected for the shortlist.
Genres not eligible for entry include: novels, children’s stories, factual writing, academic essays, plays, poetry, autobiography/biography, and any work that does not constitute a fictional short story.
Submissions must specify which African country the author comes from and the short story word count.
Publishers are required to upload a ‘publisher’s letter’ with each submission. See below for more information:
What should the publisher’s letter include?
Publishers are required to provide:
Name of the writer(s).
Title of the story or stories being submitted.
Word count of each submitted story.
The qualifying nationality of the writer(s).
The date of publication of the story or stories.
Confirmation of consent from the writer(s) whose stories are being submitted for the Prize.
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Benefits of Caine Prize for African Writing
The winner and shortlisted writers will be invited to participate in events in Africa, London and elsewhere should resources and circumstances permit. In these cases, there will be travel award granted to each of the shortlisted candidates.
How to Apply for Caine Prize for African Writing
Each story must be submitted by the publisher via email ([email protected]) as a PDF attachment or via a link to the story (if it has been published online)
Publishers are required to upload a ‘publisher’s letter’ with each submission
Please ensure ‘The Caine Prize for African Writing Entry for 2024’ appears in the subject matter of your email.
Deadline: March 31, 2024
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