We are thrilled to announce the shortlist for the 2023 African Writers Awards, showcasing exceptional talent in the following categories:

The 2023 African Writers Awards for Poetry

1. Nyachide by Emelda Gwitimah (Zimbabwe)
2. Oracles of Zeros and Ones by Truth Ndubueze (Nigeria)
3. Robo Fantasies by Mufumba Jonathan (Uganda)
4. Scorching by Uduogu Victor (Nigeria)      
5. The Nilotic Coddiwomple by Marial Awendit (South Sudan)

The 5th Edition of the Wakini Kuria Prize for Children’s Literature

1. Meeme and the singing Calabash by Grace Tendo Katana (Uganda)
2. Ngoni Makes a Difference by Kudzai Mhangwa (Zimbabwe)
3. Tato by Chantelle Chiwetalu (Nigeria)
4. Thandi and the Hair Whisperer by Lindsay Katchika-Jere (Malawi)
5. The Red Boy of Zoe Street by Elizabeth Dwamena-Asare (Ghana)

The 2nd African Teen Writers Awards (Poetry)

1. Because Life Began on a Dreamers Lips by BELLA OGWUCHE (Nigeria)
2. E-M(AI)L by Theresa Shukrani Mulindwa (Zambia)
3. Home is where blood meets water by Erinola Daranijo (Nigeria)
4. Rhythm by Johanna Ataman (Nigeria)
5. This poem leads back home by Adedokun Ibrahim (Nigeria)

The 2nd African Teen Writers Awards (Prose)

1. A Flipped Coin by Divine Okpe (Nigeria)
2. African heritage by Joshua Ojo (Nigeria)
3. Alone by Oluwanifemi Fagbolagun (Nigeria)
4. Just when we thought its dawn by Sa’ada Yahaya (Nigeria)
5. Treasure in detention by Fayemi Iyinoluwa (Nigeria)

We once again extend our heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed panel of judges who dedicated their time and expertise to evaluate the submissions to arrive at the shortlist. Our panel of judges included: Nahida Esmail (Tanzania), Testimony Odey (Nigeria), Temwani Mgunda (Malawi), Corona Cermak (Tanzania), Patricia Peace Ejang (Uganda), Comfort Nyati, SDB (Zimbabwe), Tamunomieibi Enoch (Nigeria), Temani Nkalolang (Botswana), Halieo Motanyane (Lesotho), Omadang Yowasi (Uganda), and Namse Udosen (Nigeria).

Additionally, we invite you to stay tuned for the upcoming announcement of the winners, which will take place at the 2023 African Writers Conference in Accra, Ghana, from November 1st to 5th, 2023.

Warm regards,

Anthony ‘PenBoss’ Onugba,
Chief Judge,
African Writers Awards

Read – Unveiling the Longlist for the 2023 African Writers Awards

Read – 2022 African Writers Awards, Wakini Prize, and Teens Award Winners