Open Call: Evaristo Prize for African Poetry

The Evaristo Prize for African Poetry celebrates emerging African poets and the breadth of contemporary poetry being written across the continent and its diaspora. The annual prize recognises new poetic voices who are yet to publish a full-length poetry collection.

The prize welcomes original poetry written in English, as well as poems in translation, and offers an opportunity for African poets to have their work recognised as part of a growing body of contemporary African literature.

Prize

The selected poet will receive USD 1,500.

Where a winning submission is a translated work, a portion of the prize will be awarded to the translator.

Eligibility

The prize is open to African poets who:

• Were born in Africa, are nationals or residents of an African country, or have African parents.

• Have not published a full-length poetry book at the time of submission.

• Have not yet published a full-length collection, although self-published poetry books, chapbooks and pamphlets do not affect eligibility.

Poems must be written in English. Translated poems are also welcome for consideration.

Poets who have previously entered the prize may submit again and are encouraged to share new work.

Submission requirements

Applicants must submit exactly 10 poems in a single document.

Each poem must be the applicant's original work and no longer than 40 lines. Poems may have been previously published or received previous awards.

The submission should not contain the applicant's name or other identifying information and should be submitted through Submittable.

Application information

Deadline: 1 November 2026

For more information and to apply, click here.