The Young African Writers Committee of the Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA) has announced an open call for entries for the 2026 Young African Writers’ Poetry Competition, inviting poets aged 18 to 45 from across the continent to submit their work.
The annual continental competition is designed to identify, celebrate, and promote exceptional poetic talent while offering emerging and mid-career writers increased visibility on a respected African literary platform. The initiative forms part of PAWA’s broader mission to strengthen African literary expression and amplify the voices shaping the continent’s cultural future.
Submission Guidelines
- Eligible participants are required to submit one unpublished poem written in any African language, accompanied by an English translation.
- Submissions should represent the poet’s strongest work produced within the last two years.
- There is no thematic restriction; however, poems must demonstrate clarity, precision, and effective word economy.
- Each entry must be at least 10 lines and no more than 30 lines.
- The submission deadline is 27 March 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
PAWA is encouraging literary associations, cultural institutions, creative writing collectives, and poetry communities across Africa to circulate the call widely to ensure robust continental participation.
For further enquiries, interested participants may contact the Young African Writers Committee – Writing Contests Lead via WhatsApp at +260955065455.
Submissions can be made through the Official platform.
Best of luck to all applicants!
