The Miles Morland Foundation has announced the 20 writers shortlisted for the 2026 Morland African Writing Scholarships, following a selection process that attracted more than 600 entries from published African writers across 32 countries.
The Morland African Writing Scholarships are an annual programme run by the Miles Morland Foundation, a UK-registered charity established in 2013 to support initiatives that help Africans tell their stories, with a particular interest in African writing and literature. The scholarships aim to give African writers the financial freedom to complete a full-length book in English, whether fiction or non-fiction.
The shortlist, announced on October 13, features writers from nine African countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Egypt, Mauritius, Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. They include:
- Krystle Zara Appiah, Ghana
- Tarfa Benson, Nigeria
- Kemi Cole, Uganda
- Chinenye Emezie, Nigeria
- Mustapha Enesi, Nigeria
- Marwan Hamdoun, Egypt
- Priya Nirmala Devi HEIN, Mauritius
- Mikhail Ikpoma, Nigeria
- Sarah Juma, Nigeria
- Mali Kambandu, Zambia
- Lynne-Ann Kanaan, South Africa
- A’Eysha Kassiem, South Africa
- Fred Khumalo, South Africa
- Katlo Siyanda Mohutsiwa, Botswana
- Pulane Noxolo MPONDO, South Africa
- Togara Muzanenhamo, Zimbabwe
- Okwudili Nebeolisa, Nigeria
- Bengi Rwabuhemba, Uganda
- Tristen Taylor, South Africa
- Ayotola Tehingbola, Nigeria
The judges will select four winners on November 19, with the foundation scheduled to announce the results on November 20.
Congratulations to all 2026 shortlisted writers!
