Applications are now open for the Africa Women Writers Residency 2026, a fully funded literary development programme designed to support emerging African women storytellers through mentorship, professional training, networking, and publication opportunities.
Organized by Majesty Publishing House Africa, the residency aims to address the barriers many African women writers face, including limited access to mentorship, publishing opportunities, and global literary networks. The programme will culminate in the publication of a landmark anthology titled “New African Voices: Stories That Shape Africa’s Future.”
Programme Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Africa Women Writers Residency 2026 |
| Host Organization | Majesty Publishing House Africa |
| Residency Location | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Programme Duration | 4 Weeks |
| Programme Period | September 2026 |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Number of Participants | 12 Emerging Women Writers |
| Eligible Countries | Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa |
| Application Deadline | 22 June 2026 |
About the Residency
The Africa Women Writers Residency is a structured literary development programme created to nurture the next generation of African women writers. The residency combines intensive training, mentorship, professional development, and publication opportunities.
Selected participants will engage in:
- Intensive online writing workshops
- One-on-one mentorship sessions
- Guest lectures by established African authors
- Literary networking opportunities
- A fully funded residency experience in Nairobi, Kenya
- Publication in an international anthology
The programme seeks to amplify authentic African stories and empower women writers to build sustainable literary careers.
Programme Structure
The four-week residency consists of:
Phase 1: Virtual Training and Mentorship
Participants will take part in:
- Online writing workshops
- Mentorship sessions
- Interactive learning activities
- Guest lectures from leading African writers
Phase 2: Nairobi Residency
After the virtual component, participants will attend a fully funded in-person residency in Nairobi, Kenya, where they will continue developing their writing while connecting with fellow writers and industry professionals.
Funding Benefits
The residency is fully funded and covers:
- Round-trip travel costs
- Accommodation in Nairobi
- Meals during the residency
- Local transportation
- Cultural and literary activities
- Professional mentorship
- Writing workshops and training sessions
- Anthology publication opportunity
Selected writers will not be required to cover programme-related expenses.
Publication Opportunity
One of the major highlights of the programme is the publication of participants’ work in the anthology:
Explore more opportunities like this
New African Voices: Stories That Shape Africa’s Future
This publication will showcase the voices and stories of the selected writers and provide them with increased visibility within the African literary landscape.
Eligible Countries
Applications are open to women writers who are citizens of:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Uganda
- South Africa
Applicants must currently reside in one of these countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a woman writer.
- Be a citizen of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, or South Africa.
- Be an emerging writer.
- Not currently have literary representation.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in creative writing.
- Be available for the full four-week programme.
- Be proficient in English.
Both published and unpublished writers are encouraged to apply.
Eligible Writing Genres
Applicants may submit work in:
- Fiction
- Fantasy
- Creative Nonfiction
- Memoir
- Poetry
Writers from diverse storytelling backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
1. Motivation Letter
A maximum 250-word motivation letter introducing themselves and explaining:
- Their writing journey
- Why they wish to join the residency
- How the programme will support their goals
2. Writing Sample
Applicants must submit a writing sample on the theme:
“A New Dawn for Africa”
Submission options include:
- A short story of up to 1,000 words
- An essay of up to 1,000 words
- One poem of up to 1,000 words
- Two poems with a combined total of approximately 1,000 words
All submissions must be written in English.
Why You Should Apply
Participants will gain:
- Professional writing mentorship
- Exposure to leading African authors
- Access to literary networks
- Publication opportunities
- International visibility
- Creative development support
- Collaboration with fellow emerging writers
The programme is designed to help African women writers overcome barriers to publishing and literary advancement while strengthening their voices and storytelling skills.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 22 June 2026
Interested applicants should ensure that all required materials are submitted before the deadline. Late applications may not be considered.
Conclusion
The Africa Women Writers Residency 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for emerging African women writers seeking mentorship, professional growth, and publication opportunities. With full funding, expert guidance, and the chance to be published in a landmark anthology, the programme offers a powerful platform for women storytellers to elevate their craft and share their voices with the world.
