The Africa Migration Report Poetry Anthology Series has announced an open call for submissions of poems and short prose reflecting on the complex realities of African migration and (im)mobility.
Writers and poets across the world, regardless of age or background, are encouraged to share works that capture personal, communal, and historical experiences of movement across and beyond the African continent.
Rooted in the lived realities of individuals and communities, the anthology welcomes creative reflections on the drivers of migration — from education, climate change, and conflict to economic opportunity and cultural exploration. The series also seeks pieces that navigate the emotions and experiences tied to departure, transition, arrival, and the decision to return or stay away.
Submission Guidelines
Writers may submit:
- Up to three poems (each no more than 40 lines) or
- Up to three short prose pieces (each 100 words or less),
- Or a combination of both, on the theme of African migration.
Submissions must be in English. Translated works are welcome, with prior permission from the copyright holder required. Previously published works are also accepted if contributors hold the rights and provide publication details.
Each submission should include a short bio (50 words or less) and be sent either in the body of an email or as a docs attachment to: forcedmigrationandthearts@gmail.com.
The call for submissions is open 365 days of the year.
This anthology series is part of a larger initiative led by Forced Migration and The Arts, in partnership with CivicLeicester and the migrants’ rights collective, Regularise. It draws inspiration from the Africa Migration Report: 2nd Edition, published by the African Union and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in March 2024.
The project launched with its first publication, Japa Fire: An Anthology of Poems on African and African Diasporic Migration, released in December 2024. For full submission guidelines and additional background, contributors can refer to the concept note and series details available online.
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
