Africa’s literary universe just lit up again! Afritondo has officially opened submissions for the 2026 Short Story Prize, and writers everywhere are buzzing.
This year’s theme “transition” invites storytellers to dive boldly into stories of change, becoming, rupture, renewal. If your story moves, it belongs here.
Whether you’re chronicling personal evolution, cultural shifts, political upheavals, or journeys between worlds real or imagined, this is the stage to let your voice roar.
The call is open to both emerging and established Black and African writers worldwide, and Afritondo is making it clear: If your heritage connects to Africa or Black identity, this prize was made for you.
Who Is Afritondo?
Afritondo started as a bold digital space determined to change how Black stories are told and celebrated.
What began as a platform for underrepresented voices has evolved into a global powerhouse championing African and Black writers through its prizes, anthologies, and editorial work.
Today, Afritondo is recognized for elevating fresh, fearless narratives from across Africa and the diasporaspotlighting the next generation of powerful storytellers.
An Opportunity You Should Not Sleep On
Afritondo has become one of the most respected literary platforms for Black and African voices, with winning stories often gaining global visibility.
Every edition breaks new ground, showcasing fresh, daring voices that later go on to feature in international publications, panels, festivals, and book deals.
The 2026 edition? Already shaping up to be massive. The submission deadline is December 24, 2025.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start writing, this is it.
What to Submit
To enter the Afritondo Short Story Prize, your story must:
- Be written in English
- Reflect the 2026 theme: “transition”
- Fall between 3,000–5,000 words
- Be submitted as a Word document (.doc/.docx)
- Contain no author name anywhere (anonymous judging)
- Be original, unpublished, and one entry per writer
Additional notes:
Once longlisted, stories cannot be withdrawn. Selected writers must cooperate with editors and provide photos for publicity. Judges’ decisions are final.
Ready to share your story with the world? Click here to submit your entry
Prizes to be Won
Afritondo continues to make its mark with generous rewards and global exposure:
- Winner: $1,000
- Four Finalists: $100 each
- Longlist: Featured in Afritondo’s global anthology, a publication known for spotlighting some of the most exciting Black writing today.
Being longlisted alone has become a career-defining moment for many writers, often opening doors to visibility across literary communities, publishers, and media platforms.
A Global Stage for Black Storytelling
Since it launched, the Afritondo Short Story Prize has grown into a powerful platform that helps new and established writers reach a worldwide audience.
Each year, the stories selected for Afritondo’s anthology are praised for their depth, creativity, and bold perspectives often becoming some of the most talked-about works in contemporary African and Black literature.
The prize attracts thousands of readers, editors, and publishers, making it a valuable opportunity for any writer looking to gain visibility, build credibility, and share their voice on a global scale.
Ready to Submit?
Afritondo is eager to discover fresh voices, and with the 2026 theme opening endless creative directions, this could be the moment new literary stars emerge.
Deadline: December 24, 2025
For full details, guidelines, and updates, visit their website and follow Afritondo on Instagram: