Deadline: 23-Dec-2025
The Afritondo Short Story Prize 2025 invites Black and African writers worldwide to submit unpublished fiction on the theme “transition.” The prize rewards bold, imaginative storytelling with a $1,000 top award and recognizes emerging literary voices exploring personal and societal transformation.
Overview
The Afritondo Short Story Prize is an international literary award created to celebrate outstanding fiction by Black and African writers from around the world. The prize recognises original, unpublished short stories that engage deeply with an annual theme and demonstrate creative risk, strong voice, and literary excellence.
For 2025, the prize invites writers to explore the theme “transition,” encouraging stories that examine moments of change, uncertainty, and transformation at personal, social, or systemic levels.
2025 Theme: Transition
What “Transition” Means for This Prize
The theme “transition” focuses on moments when people, places, or systems are becoming something else. These moments may be hopeful, painful, unsettling, or irreversible.
Stories are encouraged to explore:
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Personal transformation and identity shifts
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Social or political change
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Cultural, emotional, or psychological thresholds
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When change becomes unbearable, unpardonable, or irreversible
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What individuals and societies learn through transformation
The prize values interpretations that are original, unexpected, and emotionally resonant.
What the Judges Are Looking For
The Afritondo Short Story Prize prioritises fiction that:
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Takes creative risks with language, structure, or imagination
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Offers fresh and surprising perspectives on the theme
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Reveals subtle or unsettling truths about the human condition
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Leaves a lasting impression on the reader beyond the final page
There is no preference for genre, provided the work is fictional and thematically relevant.
Prize Awards and Recognition
Cash Prizes
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Winner: $1,000
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Four shortlisted writers: $100 each
Additional Recognition
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Global visibility through the Afritondo platform
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Potential inclusion in an anthology
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Editorial collaboration opportunities
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Participation in prize-related publicity
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility Criteria
The prize is open to Black and African writers worldwide, including:
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Citizens or nationals of any African country
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Individuals with at least one parent who is a national of an African country
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People of Black ethnicity or belonging to a Black minority population anywhere in the world
There are no age or residency restrictions beyond these criteria.
Submission Requirements
Language and Length
All submissions must:
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Be written in English
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Address the 2025 theme “transition”
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Be between 3,000 and 5,000 words
Publication Status
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Only one submission per writer is allowed
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Entries must be previously unpublished
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Stories must not be shortlisted or awarded in any other competition
Formatting and Anonymity
To ensure anonymous judging:
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Submissions must be in Microsoft Word format
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No author name or identifying information may appear in the manuscript
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All formatting guidelines must be followed exactly
How to Submit: Step-by-Step
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Write an original short story between 3,000 and 5,000 words on the theme “transition”
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Ensure the story is unpublished and not submitted elsewhere
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Format the manuscript according to the official guidelines
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Remove all identifying author information from the document
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Submit the story via the official submission link only
Submissions sent by email or other channels will not be accepted.
Rights and Terms of Submission
By submitting an entry, writers agree that:
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Copyright remains with the author
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Afritondo receives exclusive global print and digital rights for longlisted or selected stories
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Selected stories may be included in publicity materials or anthologies
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Writers may be invited to collaborate editorially on selected works
Why This Prize Matters
The Afritondo Short Story Prize plays an important role in:
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Amplifying Black and African literary voices globally
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Encouraging bold, experimental fiction
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Creating space for nuanced storytelling about change, identity, and power
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Supporting emerging and established writers with financial and professional recognition
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting more than one story
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Including author names or identifying details in the manuscript
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Ignoring word count or formatting rules
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Submitting work that has been published or shortlisted elsewhere
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Missing the submission deadline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the Afritondo Short Story Prize?
Black and African writers worldwide who meet the eligibility criteria outlined above.
2. What is the theme for 2025?
The 2025 theme is “transition,” focusing on moments of change and transformation.
3. Can I submit a previously published story?
No. All submissions must be unpublished and not shortlisted for any other prize.
4. How many stories can I submit?
Only one submission per writer is permitted.
5. What file format is required?
Stories must be submitted in Microsoft Word format.
6. Do writers keep the copyright to their work?
Yes. Writers retain copyright, while granting Afritondo exclusive global print and digital rights for selected stories.
7. When is the submission deadline?
The deadline for submissions is 23 December 2025.
Conclusion
The Afritondo Short Story Prize 2025 offers a global platform for Black and African writers to explore the complexities of transition through powerful fiction. With meaningful cash awards, international exposure, and long-term literary opportunities, the prize celebrates stories that challenge, surprise, and illuminate the human experience.
For more information, visit Afritondo.