Africa Women Writers Residency 2026: Fully Funded 4-Week Creative Writing Program for Emerging African Women Writers in Nairobi, Kenya

The Africa Women Writers Residency 2026 is a fully funded literary development opportunity designed to empower emerging African women storytellers. This prestigious residency provides selected writers with the space, mentorship, training, and publishing platform needed to refine their craft and amplify their voices on an international stage.

Organized by Majesty Publishing House Africa, the program aims to address the long-standing barriers that many African women writers face, including limited access to mentorship, publishing opportunities, and global literary networks.

This initiative culminates in a published anthology titled “New African Voices: Stories That Shape Africa’s Future”, showcasing the works of selected participants.

 

About the Africa Women Writers Residency 2026

The residency is a structured creative writing development program running in September 2026. It is designed for twelve selected emerging women writers from across Africa.

The program combines:

• Online intensive workshops and mentorship sessions
• Guest lectures by established African authors
• A fully funded in-person residency experience in Nairobi, Kenya
• Publication of selected works in a professional anthology

The program supports writers working in multiple literary genres including:

• Fiction
• Fantasy
• Creative nonfiction
• Memoir writing
• Poetry

This initiative is not only a training program but also a publication platform aimed at elevating African women’s literary voices globally.

 

Program Structure and Format

The residency is divided into two main phases:

1. Virtual Residency (3 Weeks)

Participants will engage in:

• Interactive writing workshops
• One-on-one mentorship sessions
• Literary discussions and critiques
• Guest lectures from established authors
• Writing development exercises focused on thematic storytelling

2. In-Person Residency (1 Week in Nairobi, Kenya)

Selected writers will travel to Nairobi for an immersive experience that includes:

• Intensive writing and revision sessions
• Cultural exchange activities
• Collaborative storytelling workshops
• Networking with African literary professionals
• Final editing and anthology preparation

All costs are fully covered, ensuring equal access for selected participants.

 

Funding and Support Coverage

This is a fully funded residency. Selected participants will receive:

• International and local travel coverage
• Accommodation during the in-person residency
• Meals throughout the program
• Local transportation in Nairobi
• Cultural and learning activities
• Mentorship and publishing support

This makes it one of the most accessible and impactful writing residencies for African women writers.

 

Eligibility Criteria

The program is open to emerging women writers from selected African countries.

Eligible Countries:

• Kenya
• Uganda
• Ghana
• Nigeria
• South Africa

Eligible Applicants:

Applicants must:

• Identify as women writers
• Be emerging writers (published or unpublished)
• Not currently have literary representation
• Demonstrate proficiency in English
• Be able to commit fully to the program duration

Eligible Writing Categories:

• Fiction
• Poetry
• Creative nonfiction
• Memoir
• Fantasy writing

 

Application Requirements

Interested applicants must submit the following:

1. Motivation Letter (250 words)

Applicants must introduce themselves and explain:

• Their writing journey
• Their motivation for joining the residency
• Their goals as writers
• Their interest in African storytelling

2. Writing Sample (Theme-Based)

Applicants must respond to the theme:

“A New Dawn for Africa”

Submission options include:

• A short story or essay (up to 1,000 words), OR
• One poem (up to 1,000 words), OR
• Two poems totaling approximately 1,000 words

 

Why This Residency Matters

The Africa Women Writers Residency plays a critical role in strengthening African literature by addressing structural barriers faced by women writers.

Key benefits include:

• Professional literary mentorship
• Exposure to global publishing opportunities
• Development of storytelling skills
• Access to an African literary network
• Publication in a curated anthology
• Increased visibility for emerging writers

By investing in women storytellers, the program ensures that African narratives are told authentically and reach global audiences.

 

Program Location

• In-person residency location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Virtual participation: Open to selected candidates across eligible countries

 

Deadline

• Application Deadline: 22 June 2026
• Applications must be submitted via email before the deadline: residency@majestypublishingafrica.com

 

Conclusion

The Africa Women Writers Residency 2026 is a powerful opportunity for emerging African women writers to develop their craft, gain mentorship, and achieve publication in a professional anthology. With full funding and strong editorial support, this residency offers a rare chance to transform creative passion into professional literary success.

Writers interested in participating should submit their materials to residency@majestypublishingafrica.com before the deadline.

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here 

• More global Short courses opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here