We are excited to announce that the African Teen Writers Awards, organised by Writers Space Africa (WSA) is back for its 4th. At WSA, we aim to inspire and empower young writers by encouraging them to share their stories and break the negative stereotypes associated with the African continent.
This award is open to early teens aged between 13 to 16 years, and we welcome submissions in two categories: poetry and prose. Submissions will be accepted from April 1 to July 1, 2025, with one entry per category allowed.
The winners of each category will receive a certificate of achievement and a cash prize of $100 sponsored by Nahida Esmail. The theme of this award is My Culture, My Pride.
Please note that shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of age and identification upon contact. Also, we do not accept submissions generated by AI.
We look forward to receiving your submissions and wish all the participants the best of luck!
Meet the judges
Corona Cermak is a children’s books writer, teaches at the kindergarten and is a Swahili language advocate. She has published 3 children’s books, Grandma Pipi and the Roses, Rooster’s Voice and Baby Caterpillar. All these books are also in Swahili or bilingual. Bibi Pipi na Maua Waridi, Sauti ya Jogoo and Kiwavi Mtoto.
Corona was awarded Writer of the year in 2019 by African Women in Europe for her book, Rooster’s Voice (Sauti ya Jogoo). She currently lives in the Czech Republic with her husband and three children.
Tamunomieibi Enoch is a Nigerian lawyer and creative writer. She loves to write Poetry and Children’s Literature. Her works have been published in magazines and anthologies. She is the author of Ruby and the Rainbow, a children’s poetry book. Currently, she’s working on a children’s book titled ‘ For Waterside Children’.
Patricia Peace Ejang is a passionate feminist and accomplished writer with a focus on poetry and children’s literature. As a law scholar at Makerere University, she brings a unique perspective to her writing that is both informed and thought-provoking.
Patricia’s writing has been published multiple times in the Writers’ Space Africa monthly magazine, where she has showcased her literary talent and creative flair. In recognition of her expertise and dedication to the literary community, she serves as one of the judges for the African Teen Writers Awards.
Beyond her writing and academic pursuits, Patricia enjoys spending her free time reading and indulging in her favourite pastimes of eating and sleeping – in that order. Her commitment to her craft and to promoting diverse voices in literature make her a valuable asset to the literary world.
Sumaiyah Muhammad Salisu is a young writer, spoken word artist, and content creator who hails from the northern part of Nigeria. She is a law student at Philomath University, Kuje, a proud Hilltop Creative Arts Foundation member, and an Abuja Literary Society member. Her story “Five Things Mother Did Not Prepare Me For” won the African Teen Writers Award, and was shortlisted for the Eugenia Abu/SEVHAGE International Prize for Creative Non-fiction in 2024. She is also published in the Brittle Paper Magazine.
Sumaiyah is a passionate creative, a recipient of the Most Valuable Contestant award at HIASFEST 6th Edition, and a two-time runner-up in the Nigeria Prize for Teen Authors, 2023/2024, with her novellas “The Murderer At School” and “Unbroken: A Healing Odyssey.”
Connect with her on Instagram (@Sumaiyah Salisu). For a glimpse into her creative world, listen to her podcast on Spotify (@Embracing the light). Stay up to date with her spoken word and podcast videos on Youtube (@aspiringyoungsters).
Tagline: she was never inadequate — just waiting to see herself clearly.
