2027 Evaristo Prize for African Poetry
Opportunity type: Prize
For: Poets
Deadline: 01/11/26
Rewards: $1,500
Location Eligibility: Africa
About this opportunity
The African Poetry Book Fund is seeking African poets who have not yet published a full-length poetry collection for the 2027 Evaristo Prize for African Poetry. The annual prize of US$1,500 is awarded to a manuscript of ten poems. It began in 2012 as the Brunel International African Poetry Prize, founded by Bernardine Evaristo, and has been managed by the African Poetry Book Fund since 2022. Submissions are open from 1 October to 1 November 2026, a shortlist is announced in April and the winner in May.
Rewards
- US$1,500 prize for the winning manuscript of ten poems
- If the winning work is a translation, a percentage of the prize money goes to the translator
- Shortlisted and winning poems are published on the APBF website
Eligibility
- Open to African writers: born in Africa, a national or resident of an African country, or with African parents
- Must not yet have had a full-length poetry book published; self-published books, chapbooks and pamphlets don’t count against this, and poets in the New-Generation African Poets chapbook series remain eligible
- Submit exactly 10 poems, no more and no fewer
- Each poem no longer than 40 lines
- Poems must be in English; translations into English are welcome
- Poems must be the entrant’s original work; previously published or award-winning poems are allowed
- Entries must be anonymous, in a single document named after the title of the first poem
- Not open to paid employees of University of Nebraska Press, Akashic Books or Amalion Press, or faculty, students or employees of the University of Nebraska
- Submissions by email are not accepted
Entry Fee
Free
How to Apply
Apply using the link: 2027 Evaristo Prize for African Poetry
All questions regarding this opportunity should be sent to apbf@brown.edu
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