The Abebi AfroNonfiction Foundation has opened applications for its inaugural Abebi AfroNonfiction Fellowship, a six-week residential programme for African women writers working in creative nonfiction.
“Supported by the Open Society Foundation, this year’s fellowship will be judged by Ama Asantewa Diaka, Mubanga Kalimamukwento, and Gloria Mwaniga Odary, The fellowship is designed for writers who are interested in exploring African womanhood through creative nonfiction with depth, originality, and literary ambition. Rather than rewarding completed work alone, the programme creates the conditions for new work to emerge through workshops, conversations, editorial mentorship, and engagement with African feminist thought.”
Applications are open until September 12, 2026. Over six weeks, fellows will participate in weekly seminars, craft workshops, reading discussions, and editorial sessions led by some of Africa’s leading writers, editors, and scholars. The fellowship will culminate in:a three-day residency in Lagos, Nigeria, public reading and literary symposium, publication in the inaugural Abebi AfroNonfiction Fellowship Anthology.
Eligible applicants must possess the following:
- Identify as a woman.
- Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
- Be currently resident in an African country.
- Be available to participate fully in the six-week virtual fellowship.
- Be willing and able to travel to Lagos, Nigeria, for the three-day residency (subject to visa requirements and programme funding).
- Have a demonstrated interest in creative nonfiction, whether published or unpublished.
- Be able to communicate and write in English, as the fellowship will be conducted in English.
- Submit original, unpublished work. Simultaneous submissions are permitted, but applicants should notify the Foundation immediately if the submitted writing sample is accepted elsewhere.
- Submit only one application.
Applicants are required to submit Essay Proposal from any facet of life affecting the woman, totalling 500 words. They are to also submit a creative sample of creative nonfiction with the maximum 1000 word count, a short biography of no more than 150, and a statement of commitment not more than 250 word, explaining why you would like to participate in the fellowship and what you hope to contribute to the cohort.
Submit these documents through the link below to apply.
