PAWA Poetry Competition Opens Submissions: A Call To Africa’s Young Voices
Celebrating African Voices Through Poetry
THE Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA), an umbrella organisation for writers across Africa and the Diaspora, has officially opened submissions for its annual poetry competition. The competition seeks to spotlight talented African poets and expand the reach of African literature both locally and internationally.
Eligible participants are required to be between 18 and 45 years of age. Each poet may submit one unpublished work in any African language or in English. Poems written in indigenous languages must be accompanied by English translations to facilitate evaluation by the competition panel.
Judging Criteria and Creative Freedom
While there is no restriction on theme or content, submitted works will be judged according to several key factors: the poet’s technical skill, clarity of thought, emotional resonance, compositional quality, impact of delivery, and authenticity of expression.
“The competition is designed to uncover and celebrate authentic African poetic voices, while encouraging creativity and depth in literary expression,” said a PAWA official.
Submission Rules and Deadlines
Participants are advised to select their best poem written in the past two years. Poems must be at least 10 lines long but should not exceed 30 lines. Each participant may submit only one work through PAWA’s official online link: https://forms.gle/oMBb6XdUoHWjNUoB8.
The submission window closes on 27 March 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Winners are expected to be announced in May 2026.
Amplifying African Literary Networks
PAWA said the competition is part of its ongoing efforts to foster literary dialogue across the continent and among the diaspora. It offers young African writers a platform to gain recognition, exchange ideas, and engage with peers in other countries.
Participants and literary enthusiasts are encouraged to share the announcement widely to ensure maximum participation. For further enquiries, PAWA has provided a contact via WhatsApp: [+260] 955-065-455.
By opening this competition, PAWA continues to strengthen Africa’s literary heritage, ensuring that the voices of emerging poets find an audience both within and beyond the continent. The initiative underscores the association’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting cultural pride across Africa.
