The 2025 Toyin Fálọ́lá Prize is now accepting short story submissions from African writers to create genre-defying submissions that push boundaries and spark fresh perspectives among people.
Marking its fifth edition, this esteemed literary competition seeks thought-provoking narratives that explore the dynamic interplay between Nature, Technology, Earth, Artificial Intelligence, and Life itself with the judging panel to feature South African author and professor F. Fiona Moolla and Nigerian short story writer Rafeeat Aliyu.
This year’s theme is inspired by key historical moments that shaped the discourse on technology and the environment, such as Time Magazine’s 1982 recognition of the personal computer as “Man of the Year” and the 1988 selection of Earth as its recipient. Writers are encouraged to craft stories that explore humanity’s evolving connection to technology and the natural world, challenging conventional perspectives and imagining new possibilities for the future.
The prize welcomes creative, genre-defying submissions that push boundaries and spark fresh perspectives. Themes may include the influence of Artificial Intelligence, the tension between nature and technology, and the harmony and discord between the physical and digital worlds. While humor and wit are encouraged, erotica and chic-lit will not be accepted.
Submission Guidelines:
- Writers must be between the ages of 15 and 35 at the time of submission.
- Submissions should range between 1,500 and 4,500 words.
- Each writer may submit only one entry.
- Entrants must be African by birth or have at least one African parent.
- Submissions must be original, unpublished works and not under consideration elsewhere.
- Stories must be sent to prize@lunaris.com.ng with the subject TOYIN FALOLA PRIZE SUBMISSION.
- Attachments should be in .doc format, titled with the story’s name (excluding the author’s name), and formatted in Book Antiqua, 12-point font, 1.5 line spacing.
- The email body should include only the story title, word count, genre, full name, and contact details. Bios will be requested upon selection.
- By submitting, writers grant Pan-African University Press exclusive rights to edit and publish selected works in the prize anthology.
- Members and relatives of the Lunaris Review Team and Pan-African University Press are ineligible.
Established in 2019, the Toyin Fálọ́lá Prize honors Professor Toyin Fálọ́lá, a distinguished Nigerian historian and academic. Organized by Lunaris Review in collaboration with the Pan-African University Press, the prize aims to celebrate emerging African writers by providing a platform to showcase their literary talents. Each year, the competition focuses on themes pertinent to African experiences and global narratives, encouraging innovative storytelling that challenges conventional perspectives. Winners receive monetary awards and opportunities for international recognition, such as invitations to literary festivals and potential publication in esteemed anthologies.
Submission closes April 15, 2025.
For more information, visit the official website of the Toyin Fálọ́lá Prize.
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
