The AKO Caine Prize 2023 for African Writing

The AKO Caine Prize Award for African Writing is an annual literary award for a published short story by an African writer. In addition to the £10,000 prize, they invite the five shortlisted writers to London for a series of events, including public readings, interviews with media institutions, a private event with agents, and an invitation to the 2023 award ceremony where the winner will be announced.

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible Countries: African countries

Type: Contest

Number of Awardees: 5

Value of Contest: Winning and short-listed authors will be invited to participate in writers’ workshops in Africa, London and elsewhere as resources permit. There is a cash prize of £10,000 for the winning author and a travel award for each of the short-listed candidates (up to five in all). The shortlisted candidates will also receive a Prize of £500. The winner is also invited to go to three literature festivals in Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria.

Method of Application: There is no application form. To apply please send six original published copies of the work for consideration to the Caine Prize office including a letter from the publisher.

• If the work is published in a book or journal, we would like to receive at least one copy of the book / journal and five photocopies; but particularly where several stories are submitted from one anthology we would like if possible to receive six copies of the book / journal itself.
• If published in a magazine or journal we will accept one original copy plus five photocopies, but would prefer six original copies.
• If the work is published online, we would like to receive six printed copies.
• Address and post the eligible submission to:

The Caine Prize for African Writing
51 Southwark Street
London
SE1 1RU

Application Deadline: 26th January 2023.