The Caine Prize for African Writing has announced the call for submissions to its prestigious Online Editing Programme, a 12-week initiative designed to support and elevate emerging African fiction writers.
Open to applicants across the continent and the diaspora, the programme offers a rare opportunity for unpublished talents to sharpen their storytelling craft through tailored mentorship, expert editorial guidance, and community engagement.
Now in its latest edition, the Online Editing Programme continues its mission of nurturing a new generation of African literary voices.
Participants will work closely with experienced editors and leading figures in African literature through one-on-one mentorship, interactive group workshops, and in-depth feedback sessions.
By the end of the programme, each writer is expected to transform a story draft into a publishable short fiction piece—one that will be featured in the annual Caine Prize anthology.
To maintain the programme’s focus on emerging talent, the Caine Prize outlines specific entry requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old and qualify as African by birth, nationality, or parentage.
- Only those who have not published a full-length book or short story collection, and who have not been shortlisted for or won major literary prizes, are eligible.
However, a baseline of literary experience is required: have at least two short stories published in established print or online outlets. Self-published work does not qualify.
In line with its short story focus, the programme excludes novels, non-fiction, poetry, children’s literature, plays, and academic writing from consideration.
Application Details
Interested writers are required to submit:
- A story summary (maximum 300 words) describing the short story they wish to develop.
- A short bio (maximum 150 words) outlining relevant writing experience.
- Proof of at least two prior publications.
- Submissions must also include the writer’s African country of origin and the title or working title of the proposed short story.
- Only one entry per applicant will be accepted; multiple submissions will result in disqualification.
Selected writers must agree to grant the Caine Prize exclusive global rights to their final stories, which will be published both in print and online as part of the organization’s annual anthology.
Beyond editorial development, the programme offers invaluable networking opportunities through live Q&A sessions and masterclasses with some of the most influential authors and editors shaping contemporary African literature.
For questions regarding eligibility or the application process, the Caine Prize team can be reached at info@caineprize.com.
Best of luck to all applicants!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
