Open Call: Evaristo Prize for African Poetry

The Evaristo Prize for African Poetry is an esteemed annual award of USD $1,500 given for ten exceptional poems by an African poet. Managed by the African Poetry Book Fund (APBF), this prize aims to foster a new generation of poets. The next submission window opens in October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: African Poetry Book Fund

- Type: Poetry Competition

- Prize Amount: USD $1,500

- Eligible Applicants: African poets without a full-length published poetry book

- Eligible Regions: African countries

- Deadline: 1 November (annually)

- Submission Period: 1 October to 1 November

- Language Requirement: English or translated into English

About the Opportunity

The Evaristo Prize for African Poetry, initially known as the Brunel International African Poetry Prize, was founded by Bernardine Evaristo in 2012. The prize is designed to support and celebrate emerging African poets who have yet to publish a full-length poetry book, providing a platform for them to gain international recognition. Funding and Benefits

- Prize Award: The winner receives USD $1,500.

- Recognition: Winning poems will be featured on the APBF website, offering exposure to a global audience.

- Support for Translators: A portion of the prize may be awarded to translators if the winning poems are not originally in English.

Who Is Eligible?

- African Writers: Defined as those born in Africa, nationals or residents of African countries, or those with African parents.

- Publication Status: Poets who have not published a full-length poetry book. Self-published works, chapbooks, and pamphlets do not disqualify eligibility.

- Language: Poems must be in English, but translations are welcome.

- Exclusions: Current or past paid employees of the University of Nebraska Press, Akashic Books, Amalion Press, and current faculty, students, or employees at the University of Nebraska or Brown University are ineligible. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas - Poetry Submission: Manuscripts must consist of ten original poems, each not exceeding 40 lines. Previously published poems or those that have won awards are permitted. Why This Opportunity Matters The Evaristo Prize plays a crucial role in elevating new African voices in poetry, providing them with both recognition and financial support. It continues a legacy of excellence and contributes to a vibrant global literary landscape. How to Apply

- Prepare Manuscript: Submit ten poems, ensuring each poem is a maximum of 40 lines.

- Formatting: Use Times New Roman or Arial, 12-point font, single-spaced. Submit one poem per page.

- Submission Platform: All entries must be uploaded via Submittable. Include no identifying information in the document.

- Document Naming: Name the document after the first poem’s title.

- Cover Letter: Include your name, nationality, country of birth, full address, email, and phone number in the cover letter on Submittable.

- Deadline: Submit between 1 October and 1 November annually.

Frequently Asked Questions What is the prize amount? The prize amount is USD $1,500. Who can apply for this prize? African poets without a full-length published poetry book are eligible to apply. When is the submission deadline? The submission deadline is 1 November each year. Can I submit poems not originally in English? Yes, poems can be submitted in translation, provided they are in English. How should I submit my poems? Submissions must be made through Submittable, not via email. Next Steps Eligible poets are encouraged to prepare their manuscripts and review the official guidelines before submitting their work. For more details, visit the Evaristo Prize for African Poetry page.