The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) is pleased to unveil its nature/climate-themed 11th issue, released to the public from today, June 30, 2026. The new issue explores a wide spectrum of the nature and climate discourse, creatively articulating African experiences in these areas.
In her editor’s note, JAY Lit peer reviewer, Bongiwe Maphosa described the new issue thus: “I was deeply inspired by just how much passion creators poured into this topic. Much like the majestic African elephant on our cover, a symbol of deep memory and resilience, these pieces carry an undeniable weight and beauty. It’s clear that for our contributors, climate change isn’t just an abstract headline nor a distant, bleak prediction. It is a present reality weaving itself into daily life, and their fierce devotion to the environment is cemented within the lines of every single page.”
JAY Lit Issue 11 is indeed the important work that it is due to the climate awareness and keen intentionality with which the contributors approached their individual creations. This is a fact that stares you in the face right from the cover, a gorgeous artwork created by Natasha Devalia, with the subsequent pages spanning poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, plays, visual arts, and photography, all showcasing original African creativity in the age of 21st century nature renaissance and climate change awareness. Contributions in this issue take roots from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia. There are contributions from relatively new names as well as seasoned veterans, with a shared creative excellence being the common denominator.
Full contributors List below:
POETRY – Victor Obukata, Scott Frost, Chidera Echedom, Emmanuel Sanusi, Victoria Kerubo, Majekodunmi O. Ebhohon, Opeyemi Ajewole
FICTION – Douglas Hajanika, Inimfon Inyang-Kpanantia, Súnmisọ́lá Olúdé, Adebayo Ibraheem, H.K. Yahaya Jawula, Emmanuel Oluwatobi Shoyebo, Janet Olobadola
CREATIVE NONFICTION – Obaditan Oluwakorede Oluwatosin, Chidera Udochukwu-Nduka
PLAY – Olaseni Kehinde Precious
VISUAL ARTS – Natasha Devalia (cover), Ogo Onyeji
PHOTOGRAPHY – Seyram Klu De-Souza
Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Poetry contributors will be considered for The 2026 JAY Lit Awards, with longlist announcements expected in December 2026 with the release of JAY Lit Issue 12.
JAY Lit publishes literature written by, about, and/or for born-in-Africa youths. The journal’s definition of ‘African’ is not related to colour, race or ethnicity, but rather place of origin and heritage. The youth age category is from 15 to 35 years. JAY Lit publishes literature written by Africans in this age category and by other older individuals who are writing with African youths in mind, whether the writers are resident on the continent or in the diaspora.
JAY Lit has a multilingual approach, publishing work written in any of the countless traditional tongues or in the colonial English, French, or Portuguese. The journal is proud to be at the forefront of championing the young ones who are staking their claims at literary superstardom, as well as celebrating an older generation that has inspired today’s youth.
The Journal will be open to submissions for an unthemed 12th issue all through July 2026.
To read and download the nature/climate-themed 11th issue, please click here!
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