The Caine Prize for African Writing 2026

The Caine Prize for African Writing 2026 is a prestigious international literary award that celebrates outstanding short stories by African writers.

🌟 About The Caine Prize for African Writing

The Caine Prize is a major platform for recognizing and promoting African literature. It aims to highlight the richness and diversity of African storytelling.

🎁 Benefits of The Caine Prize for African Writing

• Winner's Prize: £10,000
• Shortlisted Writers: Four shortlisted writers will each receive £500.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for The Caine Prize for African Writing, the following requirements must be met:

• The short story must have been published between February 27, 2021 – February 27, 2026.
• Story length must be between 3,000–10,000 words.
• Submissions must be made by a publisher (not the author).
• Writers must be 18 years or older.
• Self-published or unpublished stories are not eligible.
• The following genres are excluded:
  • Novels
  • Children’s stories
  • Factual writing
  • Academic essays
  • Plays
  • Poetry
  • Autobiography/Biography
• Each story can only be entered once.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Opening Date: Monday, 1 December 2025 (00:01 GMT)
• Closing Date: Friday, 27 February 2026 (12:00 GMT)

Application Deadline: 27 February 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View more details about The Caine Prize for African Writing on the official website.
• Submit your application via the official application form.

This is a fantastic opportunity for African writers to showcase their talent on an international stage. Don't miss the chance to participate!

• Winner receives £10,000.
• Four shortlisted writers each receive £500.