The Africa Women Writers Residency 2026 is a fully funded program for emerging women writers across Africa. It offers mentorship, workshops, and publication in a landmark anthology. This residency is designed to support talented women writers from Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa who do not currently have literary representation.
Organized by Majesty Publishing House Africa, the residency will run in September 2026 and accommodate twelve selected writers. Participants will engage in three weeks of virtual workshops and mentorship sessions before attending a fully funded one-week in-person residency in Nairobi, Kenya. The program culminates in the publication of participants’ work in an anthology titled New African Voices: Stories That Shape Africa’s Future.
Benefits of Africa Women Writers Residency 2026
- Fully funded travel, accommodation, meals, local transportation, and cultural activities
- Three weeks of virtual workshops, mentorship sessions, and guest lectures
- One-week in-person residency in Nairobi, Kenya
- Publication of participants’ work in the anthology New African Voices: Stories That Shape Africa’s Future
- Access to mentorship and literary networks
Eligibility Criteria for the Africa Women Writers Residency 2026
- Emerging women writers from Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa
- Must not currently have literary representation
- Write fiction, fantasy, creative nonfiction, memoir, or poetry
- Both published and unpublished writers are encouraged to apply
- Must demonstrate proficiency in English
- Must commit to the full duration of the programme
How to Apply for the Africa Women Writers Residency 2026
- Submit a 250-word motivation letter introducing yourself and explaining your interest in the residency
- Submit a writing sample on the theme ‘A New Dawn for Africa’ consisting of either an essay or short story of up to 1,000 words, or one poem of up to 1,000 words, or two poems totaling approximately 1,000 words
- Submit materials to [email protected] before the deadline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Africa Women Writers Residency. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Africa Women Writers Residency?
Africa Women Writers Residency 2026 is a fully funded program for emerging women writers from Africa. It offers virtual workshops, mentorship, and a one-week in-person residency in Nairobi, Kenya, culminating in publication in an anthology.
Who can apply for the Africa Women Writers Residency 2026?
Emerging women writers from Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa who do not have literary representation can apply. Writers of fiction, fantasy, creative nonfiction, memoir, or poetry are welcome.
Is the Africa Women Writers Residency 2026 fully funded?
Yes, the residency is fully funded. Majesty Publishing House Africa covers all travel, accommodation, meals, local transportation, and cultural activities for the one-week in-person portion in Nairobi.
What is the deadline for the Africa Women Writers Residency 2026?
Applications close on 22 June 2026. All materials must be submitted to [email protected] before this date.
What are the application requirements for the residency?
Applicants must submit a 250-word motivation letter and a writing sample on the theme ‘A New Dawn for Africa’. The sample can be an essay or short story up to 1,000 words, or one poem up to 1,000 words, or two poems totaling about 1,000 words.
When does the Africa Women Writers Residency take place?
The residency will run in September 2026. It includes three weeks of virtual workshops and mentorship sessions, followed by a one-week in-person residency in Nairobi, Kenya.
How many writers are selected for the residency?
The residency accommodates twelve selected writers. These writers will participate in the full program and have their work published in the anthology New African Voices.
What genres are accepted for the writing sample?
Africa Women Writers Residency 2026 welcomes fiction, fantasy, creative nonfiction, memoir, and poetry. The writing sample must be on the theme ‘A New Dawn for Africa’.
Can unpublished writers apply for the residency?
Yes, both published and unpublished writers are encouraged to apply, provided they do not have literary representation and meet the other eligibility criteria.
How do I submit my application for the Africa Women Writers Residency 2026?
Submit your motivation letter and writing sample via email to [email protected] before the deadline of 22 June 2026.
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